By Tim Parsons-
David Haye has announced his return to the ring on December 10. Haye’s announcement comes after much criticism and discontent over his no -show against Shannon Briggs last September, as he had promised earlier.
The former WBA champion has boxed twice since coming out of retirement, beating Mark de Mori in 2 rounds last Januar, and repeated the one-sided victory against Gjergjeg in May. Both opponents came in with very good records, but not against the best of opposition. This has drawn criticism from Haye’s critics, as many believe Haye has lost the genuine hunger he once had for the sport and has avoided stiff opposition.
The Bermondsey heavyweight, once the star of British boxing, has called out Anthony Joshua a number of times, but the time for the pair to meet has been premature. With Joshua now chasing a fight with Wladimir Klitschko, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist looks ready to step up to all levels in the division and take on the best the world has to offer.
No opponent has been named for Haye who promised fans on twitter that they will be ”happy” with the opponent he delivers. Most fans will hope Shannon Briggs is the name mentioned by Haye, but the chances are higher that it may be WBC cruiserweight champion, Tony Bellew. Bellew has been calling for a fight with Haye and has said he doesn’t mind stepping up to heavyweight. If Bellew takes his first fight at heavyweight against David Haye, it will be another guaranteed blowout for the Haye -maker, because Bellew has no experience at that weight.
It will be a massive risk for Bellew, who will be the underdog for this fight. However, it will not be out of the ordinary for Bellew to upset the odds and beat Haye , but that will be a shock result that will raise Bellew’s stock beyond his wildest dreams.
Perhaps it will be better to wait to hear the name announced before getting carried away. Haye may have a completely different name, weaker or stronger than both Bellew or Briggs