By Miguel Assuncao
O2 Arena, London - David Haye (26-2-0, 24KOs) has set his sights on unifying the heavyweight division after returning to the ring with an emphatic first round knock out of Mark De Mori (30-1-2, 26KOs).
The ‘Hayemaker’ - who last fought in July 2012 when he knocked out Dereck Chisora - showed no signs of ring rust and landed a flush overhand right hand in the opening round that left the Croat-based Australian needing several minutes of medical attention.
Having teamed up with trainer Shane McGuigan - who also guides Carl Frampton and George Groves - the former WBA heavyweight champion is already looking to the future.
‘I want to unify the heavyweight division. That was my plan many years ago but I fell short.
‘I’m going to make a serious run at the division. The titles are all over the place and I’m the man to do it [unify the division]’, said Haye.
However, the 35-year-old Bermondsey boxer - who weighed in at a career high - feels a crack at rising heavyweight hope Anthony Joshua may be more likely in the short term.
‘I think he’s [Tyson Fury] a good fighter. It’s a shame he doesn’t want to fight me but I think we know the reason why.
‘A fight between me and Anthony Joshua would be bigger business that Tyson Fury.
An expectant 16,000-strong crowd was packed into the O2 Arena and Haye admitted he was surprised by his reception after his break from the ring.
‘I wasn’t expecting the response I got. It makes me want to give the fans more nights like this.
‘I want to fight again soon. My hands feel good, hopefully I can fight again in three months.
‘Ideally, I want rounds, but it’s difficult to find someone who can go rounds with me,’ said Haye.
Haye will be an interested onlooker as Deontay Wilder defends his WBC title against Artur Szpilka as he begins to plot his next move.
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