David Haye to make boxing comeback for a fight with Fournier on Oscar De La Hoya undercard

Former heavyweight and cruiserweight champion David Haye is set to return to the ring in September to face Joe Fournier at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles – three years after he retired.

Haye, 40, retired in 2018 having lost his rematch with Tony Bellew in May that year.

Fournier, is a 38 year old entrepreneur who became a professional boxer after making his debut in 2015 aged 32.

The fight will be an eight-round contest at heavyweight.

Haye ended his career with four losses from 32 fights.

‘Still retired’

On his website, Haye explained the circumstances for a one-off fight against his friend Fournier.

“This whole fight between us, came into existence when at dinner with a group in Mykonos we were asked who would win in a fight between us.

“I laughed, but out of respect for Joe’s ego suggested it would be close, maybe a draw – whilst winking to Joe.

“Joe’s straight-faced response was very different, he was deadly serious stating he would win in a fight today.”

Haye went on to reiterate this was not a traditional comeback.

“I remain happily retired from boxing, with no intentions to make a traditional comeback to challenge the monsters of the division but am fit and ready to prove my point against my overconfident billionaire buddy” he said.

The contest is on the undercard for Oscar De La Hoya’s own return at the age of 48, against Vitor Belfort, 44.

BBC