Haye returns with convincing knockout
By John J. Raspanti
Out of the ring for over three years, former cruiserweight and WBA heavyweight champion David Haye (27-2, 25 KOs) blitzed burly Mark De Mori (30-2-1, 26 KOs) in the opening stanza at a rocking O2 Arena in London, England Saturday night.
The time was 2:11 seconds.
In Round one, Haye, now trained by Sean McGuigan, started fast. He moved forward and stuck out his long jab. De Mori, a bare-chested bloke from Australia, looked to counter, but Haye’s hand speed was overwhelming him.
Haye, showing no ill-effects from shoulder surgery, landed a snappy right hook that shook De Mori.
A few seconds later, a combination caused De Mori to nod. He needed to punch back, but had it was obvious that he was out of his element. The Aussie was a sitting duck--propelled more by guts than talent.
De Mori tried to jab, but it was slow. Haye, 35, took advantage. A huge lead right hand--followed by a jolting left uppercut sent De Mori tumbling to the canvas. It was apparent a count wasn’t necessary. De Mori stayed on the canvas for a good five minutes. After being helped to his feet, he seemed okay.
“I’d like to thank each and every fan,” said the popular Haye in the ring after the fight. “It’s been a tough road. I’m punching harder now. This is a new improved version of me.”
Haye is eyeing a showdown with undefeated British sensation Anthony Joshua.
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