David Haye is returning to the ring next month after three years – but the Bermondsey fighter insists it is not a “comeback”.
Haye, 40, will face Joe Fournier at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles. Former heavyweight and cruiserweight world champion Haye retired after losing a rematch with Tony Bellew.
Fournier, 38, is a businessman who took up professional boxing at the age of 32 in 2013. Hi record is 9-0.
Haye retired with a record of 28-4 after two defeats to Bellew.
Haye explained on his website Haymaker News the origins of the contest.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“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 – I assumed it was just the tequila talking.
“And that’s exactly where it started. A boozy night in Mykonos, two alpha males peacocking with a crowd of girls. Fast forward two weeks, 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 over-confident billionaire buddy.
“I would’ve been more than happy to prove this point behind closed doors. I suggested a four-round spar in my Hayemaker Gym in London, which would have been more than enough to shut him up.
“But for Fournier, the ‘Ric Flair’ of the boxing world, this would have done nothing for his ‘legacy’. Joe asked what it would cost to get me through the ropes one last time for an official fight, on a real stage. I told him it would have to be a package rivalling my last PPV blockbusters. A few calls with the lawyers, and here we are.
“Streaming powerhouse platform Triller loved the idea of such a spectacle and presented me with an offer I simply could not turn down. An opportunity to prove a point to a friend, earning true Pay-Per-View monies, whilst doing what I have always loved, simultaneously giving fans one last evening of nostalgia – who in their right mind would ever turn that opportunity down?
“This fight is the ultimate battle of egos, the outcome of some drunken bar banter. Now I have to teach some manners to a dear (but delusional) friend of mine Joe Fournier. A reminder to Joe that his best boxing achievement is being ranked No.10 in the world by the WBA whilst holding the WBA international belt at light-heavyweight, five years ago.
“Whilst an unexpected challenge, since retirement I have remained in the gym and I am always mindful of what I put in my body meaning with just four weeks’ notice.
“I am currently 10lbs lighter than my first fight against Tony Bellew some four years ago. I’m looking forward to lacing up some 10oz gloves, ring walking at LA’s Staples Centre to ‘Ain’t No Stoppin Us Now’ to give a friend a brutal education in boxing.
“This is not a comeback. This is about teaching Joe Fournier there are levels to the boxing game. One must stay in their lane or risk getting flattened.
“Joe ‘The Billionaire’ Fournier needs to learn that certain things in life you can’t buy. Champions are born not bought.”
Also on the website, Fournier added: “I have immense respect for David’s past achievements, but his time has passed. I’m younger, fitter and faster. He may have been world heavyweight champion, but that moment has gone, I am still learning the sport, coming into my prime.
“His demise will meet my rise and come September 11 the boxing world is in for a huge shock.”