British heavyweight David Haye has announced that he will be returning to boxing, with the former world champion set to take on Australian competitor Mark De Mori in a match on January 16th.
Haye made the announcement in a press conference today, revealing that he has been preparing for the fight without the help of long-time trainer Adam Booth, instead enlisting the aid of Shane McGuigan.
“It feels really good to be back,” Haye told the press. “Physically, I am firing on all cylinders. I have been training with Shane McGuigan and I have got a new lease of life. I have been in the gym working hard and I needed a change from the injuries I got. Since I teamed up with Shane, I have gone from strength to strength. Everything has gone through there roof and I feel like a young fighter even at 35.”
Haye also spoke of his opponent’s skill level, appearing to be uncharacteristically cautious when it came to the challenge given his lengthy time away from the sport.
“I am looking forward to getting in the ring and hearing the fans get excited,” Haye continued. “I saw he is ranked in the top 10 and he was giving it large. We will see on 16 January whether the ‘Dominator’ can dominate the Hayemaker. I very much doubt that but there may be some question marks because I have been out of the ring for so long.”
Despite many having criticised the current state of boxing, Haye championed the landscape of the sport. “Muhammad Ali had three-and-a-half years out and he lost on his return but that was against Joe Frazier,” Haye continued, adding: “This guy is no Frazier. Wladimir Klitschko came back after four years out but they got their titles back and I want to do that same. Boxing is in a really healthy place.
“I could have picked an easier opponent. I could have fought someone who’d been knocked out a couple of time but I wanted to give people someone to get excited about. He is top 10. I don’t want to fight complete nobodies. I believe if I can do what I’m doing in the gym on 16 January then I’ll be better than I used to be.”
The match is set to take place at The O2 in London. It will be Haye’s first match since his victory against Dereck Chisora in their 2012 grudge match.
