David Haye: Former world champion coming out of retirement to fight Joe Fournier

The 40-year-old will compete on the undercard of Oscar De La Hoya’s comeback against Vitor Belfort

David Haye will fight Joe Fournier in Los Angeles next month (Getty)

Former world champion David Haye has announced that he will return to the boxing ring to face Joe Fournier in Los Angeles next month.

Haye, who retired three years ago after suffering a second consecutive defeat against Tony Bellew, will fight on the undercard of Oscar De La Hoya’s own comeback bout against Vitor Belfort at the Staples Centre on 11 September.

The event is being organised by Triller, who staged Mike Tyson’s return to the ring last year in an exhibition against Roy Jones Jr and have successfully tempted several fighters out of retirement or into crossover bouts.

Haye’s bout is set to be licensed by the California State Athletic Commission, though, meaning it should stand as a professional contest on the 40-year-old’s record.

Fournier, a British entrepreneur, has fought nine times as a professional but has never faced opposition of Haye’s calibre.

“This is not a comeback, this is about teaching Joe Fournier there are levels to the boxing game,” Haye said.

“One must stay in their lane or risk getting flattened. There are certain things in life you can’t buy – Joe ‘The Billionaire’ Fournier needs to learn that.

“I was the heavyweight champion of the world just 10 years ago. I’m only 40. Joe is delusional. Champions are born not bought.”

Fournier fought most recently on the undercard of YouTube star Jake Paul when the 38-year-old defeated musician Reykon.

“I will shock the world and knock out David Haye,” Fournier said. “Unquestionably one of the hardest challenges of my life, but this is the perfect fight at the perfect time for me.

“Haye is riddled with injuries, 10 years past his prime. I was a late starter to this pro boxing game – now I’m coming into my fighting prime.

“I’m healthy, motivated and ready to prove a point to Haye that on 11 September, I will be victorious.”​