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Home » David Haye airs views on ‘lineal champ’ Tyson Fury’s return, rules out ‘ever going head-to-head’

David Haye airs views on ‘lineal champ’ Tyson Fury’s return, rules out ‘ever going head-to-head’

Haye, currently in training for his rematch with Tony Bellew on May 5th, was forced to pull out of two attempts to battle Fury in 2013 before a shoulder injury ended his career for five years.

As Fury prepares to make his own long-awaited return to the ring following a two-year-plus absence, Haye believes boxing is better off with the former unified champion involved.

haye fury

“It’s good for boxing Tyson Fury has announced his comeback,” said Haye in his recent metro.co.uk column.

“It’s almost three years since he last fought and nobody really knows what will happen on his return. But that is often what adds interest and intrigue to the sport.

“At one stage, he was considered the best in the business. He never lost his world titles in the ring so he’ll believe this is the opportunity to go and get them back.

“Technically Fury is still lineal world heavyweight champion — if that actually matters to anybody.”

On whether he sees them rearranging their encounter for a third time, Haye added: “We were due to face each other five years ago but that fell through.

“I don’t see us ever going head-to-head now — fate seemed to intervene at the time and decide that was a no-go.”

haye fury

The pair went through a press conference and posed for the cameras in now-infamous photographs before Haye was forced to hang up his gloves – which he originally thought was for good.

Two early KO’s over limited opposition put Haye in the position to fight Bellew last March, although another ailment struck and the Londoner was taken out in ten rounds.

This time around, and with his career well and truly on the line, Haye must defeat Bellew or the UK fans will have witnessed the final chapter of one the most popular Brits of the last decade.