By Terence Dooley

London’s David Haye (27-2, 25 KOs) fights for the second time this year when he meets Arnold Gjergjaj (29-0, 21 early) at London’s O2 Arena tomorrow night, but persistent injury niggles and operations almost prevented the former cruiserweight champion and WBA heavyweight titlist from ever fighting again.

The 35-year-old was out of action for over three years following his win over Dereck Chisora in 2012, prompting many to write him off, yet he never gave up hope and believes he is still capable of winning the unified heavyweight championship after trying and failing when meeting Wladimir Klitschko in 2011.

“I understand completely why people thought it was all over,” admitted Haye when speaking to the London Evening Standard.  “I withdrew injured from three fights and then had serious-level surgery.  The doctors told me they would be happy if I just got back the normal, everyday function of my arm.  When I told them that it was still my destiny to be heavyweight champion again, they said good luck with that one, it's time to make other plans.

“I couldn't open a car door. I couldn't do up my own shirt, let alone punch anybody.  I was in bits.  It was really tough to be positive.  But I never once said that I was retired and always knew that if it was humanly possible to box again, I would do it.”

Two of the scrapped fight dates were against Tyson Fury, who is now the heavyweight Champion of the world; Fury has dismissed talk of ever facing Haye, citing the aborted fights as his reason.  Haye, though, believes city rival Anthony Joshua will derail Fury should the two meet, leaving Haye in line for a shot at “AJ”.

He said: “Why is it my destiny to come back?  Because I challenged Wladimir Kliitschko in 2011 hoping to become linear and unified champion. And I lost.  If I had won, I would have achieved my goals.  But it didn't happen.  So I still want to show the world that I am the best and there are some big boys out there to beat.

“The heavyweight champion should be a role model with something positive to say.  How many kids are thinking, I want be just like Tyson Fury?  Joshua is a clean cut, positive guy who lives the life.  That's what a champion should be.  He has far more fans than Fury, too.  That is why I would prefer to meet him.”

In the meantime, a showdown with former WBO title-holder Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs is on the cards should Haye despatch Gjergjaj and Briggs gets by Emilio Zarate on tomorrow night's bill, which is being televised on Dave here in the U.K.  Haye has set aside an autumn date for Briggs as he looks to fight three times in a year for the first time since 2006.

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