By Elliot Foster
The preparations for the comeback of former two-weight world champion David Haye are running far from smoothly –– and that has been further proved by the latest setback suffered to the ‘Haye Day’ promotion.
Haye (26-2, 24 KOs), 35, is set to return to the ring after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus in two weeks’ time, on January 16, at London’s O2 Arena against Australia’s Mark De Mori (30-1-2, 26 KOs) over 12 rounds in a non-title showdown.
And while the issue isn’t with the main event, the promotion as a whole is on the back foot before it has even started with a lack of broadcaster and now no chief-supporting contest.
Former IBF world featherweight champion Billy Dib (39-4, 23 KOs) had been appointed as second in command to the Haye-De Mori clash and he was scheduled for a non-title 10-round tussle with former English featherweight title challenger Jamie Speight (13-8, 1 KO).
But that has now been scratched after Dib, who announced his withdrawal via social media, pulled out, citing injury.
“It is with great regret that I announce I’ve been ruled out of my Jan 16th fight due to an injury I suffered during training camp,” the Australian, 30, wrote on his official Twitter account.
“[A] big thanks to all the amazing boxing fans in the UK. God willing I’ll be back soon.”
And despite the bad news, opponent Jamie Speight put a positive spin on things, also taking to Twitter to say: “I’m sure me and Billy [sic] can get it on again. [David Haye] can make it happen."
The latest complication with the return of ‘Hayemaker’ leaves the card bare and with a lack of any real quality, boasting an undercard featuring ex-British super middleweight ruler Tony Dodson (31-8-1, 15 KOs), as well as Wadi Camacho, Kay Prospere, Jose Lopes and Josh Kennedy.
Elliot Foster is part of Boxing Scene's UK team. Follow him on Twitter @FreelanceFoz
