After a lengthy absence from the ring, London-born boxer David Haye marked his return to professional boxing with an impressive win over Mark De Mori last night.
Haye, who was forced to leave the sport three-and-a-half years ago following extensive surgery, inflicted a punishing attack on De Mori with some brutal body and facial blows.
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.
THE KNOCKOUT MOMENT. Stay with us for analysis and more exclusive interviews. #HayeDay https://t.co/cecT6rqOae
— Dave (@Join_Dave) January 16, 2016
With De Mori trapped in a corner, Haye unleashed a final flurry of jabs and hooks and one final overhand right to render the Australian unconscious, forcing the ref to stop the fight. This was a pivotal win for Haye, considering that De Mori had previously been defeated just once in 33 fights.
Haye is turning his attentions now to ambitions of regaining the heavyweight crown which he lost to Wladimir Klitschko in 2011. Following that defeat, Haye recorded a win over Dereck Chisora the following year, but left the sport in 2013 upon medical advice after undergoing shoulder surgery.
Should there be a rematch between Tyson Fury & Wladimir Klitschko? David Haye says no: https://t.co/BTzGuWK987 pic.twitter.com/AepUshn5EN
— BBC Sportsworld (@bbcsportsworld) November 30, 2015
Haye has enjoyed very little competitive boxing, however. In fact, he has only fought four times in five years but still has an impressive record of 27 wins from 29 professional bouts.
Speaking after the win in London last night, Haye said:
"It's been a tough road but I'm finally back. I felt so cool and calm in there. I don't believe any heavyweight out there could have taken those punches. The shoulder feels better than it was before. I feel this new and improved version of me will go on and win heavyweight championships."
.@Tyson_Fury confronts @BronzeBomber after KO. Watch Wilder's full fight NOW on SS4. REPORT: https://t.co/DzdWdllwKp https://t.co/f1jz5nxqf5
— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) January 17, 2016
If Haye is serious about his hunt for the Heavyweight title, then he will have to convince Tyson Fury to step into the ring with him.
Fury has previously stated that he will never defend his title against Haye, after the London boxer pulled out of two scheduled fights in 2013. Haye says he is still keen to fight, but he will have to be patient and wait for Fury and Klitschko to have their rematch in the summer.
"I think Tyson Fury is a good fighter, very good. It's a shame he doesn't want to fight me. I think we all know why, when he sees punch power like that. I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible, keep testing myself and work up the rankings to get a title fight".
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