This afternoon at 4:00 pm EST, streaming live via YouTube here at BLH as well as televised on Dave in the United Kingdom, David Haye makes his return to the ring after a three-and-a-half year absence, as the former cruiserweight champion and heavyweight titleholder faces Mark De Mori in the main event from the O2 Arena in London.
Haye (26-2, 24 KO) was last seen in July 2012, when he stopped Dereck Chisora in an exciting grudge match. A pair of scheduled dates with Tyson Fury fell through after that, and Haye underwent a shoulder surgery, as well. Now 35, the "Hayemaker" is back, but it remains to be seen where he's at as a fighter after such a long absence.
De Mori (30-1-2, 26 KO) is a fighter with a nice record, and a good puncher, but has never faced anyone at Haye's level. For De Mori, that means this is a chance to shine and get himself an even bigger fight in the division. An upset win for the Australian slugger could net him a world title fight, even.
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RESULTS
David Haye def. Mark De Mori by TKO (2:11 of round 1)
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ROUND BY ROUND
DAVID HAYE vs MARK DE MORI
Round 1: Judges are Jeff Hinds, Ian John-Lewis & Marcus McDonell. Referee is Bob Williams. Haye's upper body looks massive. Haye shoots a jab to the body, but not a lot on it. He's coming forward to start. Not aggressively or recklessly, but making clear he's coming forward. Haye with a jab and a right that misses up top. De Mori throws a right hand up top, blocked. 1-2 from Haye. Right hand from Haye, and De Mori is hurt a little. Shaky legs. Haye is throwing bombs. Not landing them yet, but he's not here to waste time. Body shot from Haye. De Mori looks woefully overmatched. More shots to the body. Flurry of shots, De Mori has no answer. Left hook from Haye hurts De Mori again. De Mori just standing still and covering himself up on the ropes. Right hand and down goes De Mori! It's over! Haye TKO-1