Former heavyweight champion David Haye is set to return to the ring on September 11, 2021 for an eight-round bout at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles against Joe Fournier who is Haye’s close friend.
The pair have been good friends for a number of years, regularly sharing photos of their nights out together on social media.
The 40-year-old officially hung up his gloves in 2018 after suffering back-to-back defeats against bitter rival Tony Bellew, with a series of injury problems taking their toll on him at the back end of his career.
In his official Twitter page, Haye stated that this was not a traditional comeback.
"I remain happily retired from boxing, with no intentions to make a traditional comeback to challenge the monsters of the division, but I am fit and ready to prove my point against my overconfident billionaire buddy." stated Haye.
On the other hand, Fournier, 38, is an entrepreneur who became a professional boxer, making his debut in 2015 aged 32. In a statement, Fournier said that on September 11, the boxing world will be in for a huge shock.
Fournier has also fought on several cards promoted by Haye after signing with Hayemaker Promotions in 2016.
"I have immense respect for David's past achievements, but his time has passed. I'm younger, fitter and faster. He may have been a world heavyweight champion, but that moment has gone, I am still learning the sport, coming into my prime," added Fournier in the same statement.
David Haye’s announcement also comes as something of a surprise that he wants to step back into the ring against his close pal - three years since his most recent professional bout.