Singleton vs. O'Donnell Added to January 16 Haye Day Bill

By Elliot Foster

Finally, after searching high and low, the ‘Haye Day’ promotion - in particular its undercard - finally has good news. 

Former WBC International Silver champion Shayne Singleton (21-1, 7 KOs) has been added to the Jan. 16 show at London's O2 Arena, as he will be featured against John O’Donnell (30-2, 11 KOs). 

“[I] will never turn down a massive opportunity," Singleton said through social media. "[Two-and-a-half weeks’] notice for a 50/50 fight. [It is] 100 percent [going to] be my night. Fact. Let’s have it [on] 16 Jan.”

The bout serves in chief support to the evening's marquee fight, featuring the ring return of former two-division champ David Haye (26-2, 24 KOs), who faces Australia’s Mark De Mori (30-1-2, 26 KOs) over 12 rounds in a non-title showdown. The bout ends a three-and-a-half year "hiatus" for the 35-year old Haye. 

While the main event has remained intact, the undercard has taken its licks. Former featherweight champ Billy Dib withdrew from a scheduled 10-round tussle with Jamie Speight, putting the card at risk of a feasible chief support.

Fortunately, event handlers have come up with a saving grace in securing a new sub-main. Colne's Singleton has boxed just once since being stopped by Sam Eggington in Hull last March, but still carries enough of a cult following to where this bout's inclusion gives the show a needed boost.

Boxing Scene understands that the clash is in the process of being made a British welterweight title eliminator.

Elliot Foster is part of Boxing Scene's UK team. Follow him on Twitter @FreelanceFoz