David Haye vs Joe Fournier LIVE: Result and reaction
Follow all the latest updates from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Former cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion David Haye came out of retirement and scored a points win over Joe Fournier.
The Hayemaker, 40, took on Fournier on the undercard of the bout between Evander Holyfield and Vitor Belfort at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
It had been more than three years since Haye lost to Tony Bellew at the O2 Arena in London where he lost by TKO in round five.
All three judges scored in favour of Haye over eight rounds, two by 79-72 and a third 80-71.
In his post-fight interview, Haye said: “There’s one fighter I’d come back to professional boxing for. That’s Tyson Fury.
“That big fat dosser, I know his kryptonite, I know what he can’t handle.
“He wants a fight? The Hayemaker will come for you. When Tyson Fury really wants a challenge... the fans want to see it, the fans want to see Tyson Fury facing someone who can knock him out.” Relive all the action live below:
Silva’s victory takes just 81 seconds
There were just 81 seconds between the first bell ringing and Anderson Silva landing a right hook through Tito Ortiz’s gaping defence.
Silva knocks out Ortiz in first round!
Silva knocks out Ortiz in the very first round! The Brazilian did his own best impression of a rope-a-dope, allowing Ortiz to unload punches, before spinning away and landing a huge counter hook. Ortiz is knocked to the canvas and cannot beat the count.
Silva and Ortiz make way to ring
The atmosphere picks up as these two icons make their way to the ring, even though this bout may not quite live up to their expectations.
Silva faces Ortiz next
Next up, MMA legends Anderson Silva and Tito Ortiz cross divides to compete against one another in a boxing match. The pair are both 46 years old, but Silva will be a clear favourite after his respectable victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in June.
Carroll says he couldn’t see for several rounds
In his post-fight interview, Carroll revealed that he couldn’t see out of one of his eyes for a large portion of the fight, which explains why the doctor took such a long look ahead of the ninth round. That was what provoked him into putting everything on the line in the final two rounds, though, and it was those that ultimately separated him from Vences on the scorecards.
Carroll wins via majority decision
There’s some surprise at ringside, but Carroll gets a majority decision. The scorecards read: 97-93, 97-93, 95-95.
Final bell rings
It’s a tight final round as Carroll is the clear aggressor but Vences counters well off the back foot. It’s a difficult round to call, as many have been, and we head to the judges’ scorecards.
Carroll dominates the ninth
The doctor takes a long look at Carroll in the corner, although there’s no serious cut visible. It seems to give Carroll the sense of urgency he desperately needs, and he dominates the entirety of the ninth round, landing combinations to the head and body almost at will.
Vences takes charge in the eighth
Carroll is coming forwards in the eighth round and finding success, but then Vences unloads with a straight right hand that lands through the guard. It’s an eye-catching shot and gives the American encouragement, and he follows it up with a nice combination. It’s a clear round for Vences and you sense Carroll needs something special in the closing stages now.
Carroll attempts to pick up the pace
Perhaps sensing he may be behind, Carroll attempts to pick up the pace. It’s better output from the Irishman but he’s still struggling to land with anything meaningful and Vences gets the biggest cheer of the round with a nice combination.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies