David Haye returns to the boxing ring for the first time in over three and a half years when he fights Mark de Mori at London’s 02 Arena on Saturday night. And on this evidence, Haye is a very risky fight for Joshua.
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In truth, Haye emerged as the dominant fighter from the early exchanges, and within the final minute of the first round, he was on the cusp of victory.
That confidence carried over, and Haye flashed a smirk as he connected with his first big punch.
Haye-de Mori was exactly what fans and pundits expected, and it’s unlikely that David Haye would have truly benefited from an extra three-to-four rounds of work.
De Mori, fleshy at 243lbs (17st 5lbs 8oz), donned black leather gloves as he took to the scales but looked relaxed and focused.
“It’s been fantastic”, Haye told DAVE TV. I’ve been sitting on the outside for so long, it’s a really lovely feeling to be back and giving the fans something back.
“I definitely feel that I’m healthy enough to do it. I just believe this new and improved version of me will go on and win the heavyweight championship”, Haye said.
To avoid the injuries that have plagued and undermined his career, Haye has piled on the weight, which – while it will limit his speed – should make him more durable and built for a real crack at dominating the division one last time.
“I don’t care about him”.
“I believe that’s a fight that could be made later in the year”, he said of the projected bout with Joshua. I need to live here, ‘ said the Londoner. I think he’s big, strong, athletic, punches hard, great amateur pedigree. He ticks all the boxes.
I know it’s hard to imagine a fighter as old as De Mori being inexperienced, but if you looked at his resume, it’s filled with 2nd and 3rd tier opposition. Haye against either Wilder or Fury would be hugely interesting and either fight would be big business.
The 35-year-old talked up the possibility of a summer showdown with Joshua after the fight, revealing that he expects to be back in the ring in April before setting his sights upon the unbeaten Olympian.
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Haye (27-2, 25 KOs) stopped De Mori (30-2-2, 26 KOs) – ranked at No. 10 with the WBA world governing body – after detonating an explosive right hook on De Mori’s jaw and then following up with a series of hooks.
