It’s been over three years since former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye last stepped between the ropes and knocked out Dereck Chisora in 5 rounds at a rain soaked Upton Park, and ever since that time fans have been more used to seeing ‘The Hayemaker’ popping up on reality television, or proffering himself as the first black James Bond, than duking it out in a boxing ring.
After twice signing, and twice pulling out of fighting Tyson Fury, then retiring citing a shoulder injury, we have been promised numerous times that Haye would be returning at some point, and in true “boy who cried wolf” fashion, it seems the fans grew weary of his empty promises and moved on.
Yet Haye claims he is somehow more serious about this return than any prior (Insert *yawn here if so inclined), and watching a new generation of British heavyweights – arguably led by Olympic gold medalist, Anthony Joshua – emerge on the scene beneath him, has ignited the desire in the 34 year old to have one last run at a title and attemp to bask in the championship spotlight one final time.
“I’ve just been working hard behind closed doors, training, making sure that if and when I make this comeback I’m not going to have other injuries,” a frankly old and weary looking Haye said to Sky Sports.
It’s a problem as long as the fight game itself – aging warriors unable to fully leave the ring behind, and Haye – having seemingly grown used to life as a household name and a ‘celebrity’ in the UK, has found that star has dimmed to the point that he is inevitably being drawn back to what he knows best for the attention – boxing.
In fairness to him, a fit and motivated Haye – Klitschko aside – would be a handful to most of the top heavyweights at the moment, although time is clearly NO LONGER on his side, and after messing him about so much previously, he has a snowball’s chance in Hell of ever getting Tyson Fury – the other big British name – to sign on the dotted line again.
If he does make the comeback, what path does he take? I simply don’t see either Wladimir Klitschko (who already schooled him in 2011’s toe gate saga) or Deontay Wilder (the weak link) letting him walk straight into title fights after a couple of warm-ups against lower-level opposition – warm-ups that he will need in order to establish a ranking.
A fight with Joshua, who if all goes to plan, will start 2016 as the British and Commonwealth champion, is a decent fight that Sky seem keen to push, and will definitely sell, although it’s incredibly difficult to assess how serious Haye is about all this, as we have heard the talk too many times before with no follow through.
“It’s been nice sitting back and watching these guys come through…….But now I want to get involved – I want to get back in it and start trading blows with some of these big boys,” Haye said.
“I want to make this last run my best – I’ll have an announcement soon. I’m in a really good place physically and mentally.”
Watch this space, as they say…..
Twitter @Undilutedpoison
