Returning heavyweight David Haye in quest to emulate boxing great Muhammad Ali
Britain's David Haye believes he will emulate boxing great Muhammad Ali and regain the world title following a lengthy absence from the ring after announcing his return against Mark de Mori in the New Year.
Haye, who lost his world title to Wladimir Klitschko in 2011, will fight Australia’s De Mori at London’s O2 Arena on 16 January, his first bout since stopping fellow Briton Dereck Chisora in July 2012.
“Some of the greatest heavyweights of all-time, Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Vitali Klitschko, had lay-offs, three-and-a-half years to 10 years. All came back to regain the heavyweight championship of the world,” said Haye, 35.
“So if those guys can do it, I like to think I can do it also. I’m going to go on to be the heavyweight champion of the world.”
Perth-born De Mori has lost only one of his 33 career bouts, with his sole defeat coming in 2004, while 26 of his 29 victories have been by knockout.
“I could have picked an easier opponent,” said Haye, who has been training with Shane McGuigan, son of former world champion Barry.
“I could have fought someone who’d been knocked out a couple of times but I wanted to give people someone to get excited about. He’s top 10. I don’t want to fight nobodies.”