Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Haye is on course for imminent return to the ring
DAVID Haye remains on course to return to the ring later this year and expects his opponent to be confirmed in the coming fortnight.
The heavyweight is again in the gym as he continues his recovery from the Achilles injury that undermined him during his defeat by Tony Bellew in March.
It’s understood he remains i n negotiations for a rematch against Bellew in December and that plans for that bout have progressed to the point potential undercard contests are being prepared.
Before then Haye will also promote the professional debut of heavyweight Olympic silver medallist Joe Joyce against Ian Lewison at London’s Indigo at The 02 on October 20. He believes Joyce is the future of British heavyweight boxing.
However, it is a return to the ring, and then a challenge of Anthony Joshua, that occupies his mind. “The plan is to return before the end of the year,” the 36-year-old said.
“That’s what I’ve said since I had my operation. That’s what I believe will happen.
“It’s better now than the doctors anticipated. I’m running, bounding, hopping and punching.
“There are a few names bouncing around.
“However, I’ll know probably in the next couple of weeks and then everybody else will know, too.
“A rematch with Bellew may happen but only if we can get on the same page. We have been on different pages. I won’t be holding my breath.
“If it’s supposed to happen it will happen but, at the moment, I wouldn’t put money on it. There were many fighters over the years who wanted revenge but didn’t get it. If it happens, it happens.”