David Haye battered Mark de Mori with knockout after 130 seconds

DAVID HAYE battered Mark de Mori in just 131 seconds to complete a stunning return to the ring.

 

David Haye knocked out Mark de Mori in just 130 seconds

 

The British heavyweight hurt the awful Aussie with a big right hand before finishing him with a flurry of shots.

As comebacks go it could not have gone much better or quicker for the returning former two-weight world champion who knocked his opponent out in the first round.

But the Londoner will have to step the level of opposition up fast if he wants to be taken seriously in the heavyweight division again and achieve his dream of becoming heavyweight world champion again.

Haye, 35, had not fought since his 2012 stoppage win over British rival Dereck Chisora.

 

He pulled out of two fights with Tyson Fury in 2013 because of injury with the second one the serious shoulder problem that required surgery and almost ended his career.

The former cruiserweight and heavyweight champion had hinted at comebacks for the last 18 months but it was only in November that his return was confirmed.

Haye, who weighed in at a career-highest 16st 3lb yesterday, looked far bigger than his previous outing three-and-a-half years ago.

Croatian-based De Mori, who had not lost in 11 years, was a stone heavier but well out of his depth against the British fighter.

 

David Haye believes he can stop Anthony Joshua

 

It was obvious from the start in front of 16,000 fans at the O2 Arena that this was going to be over quickly.

Haye was able to pick and choose his shots with ease as he barely broke a sweat.

He hurt De Mori early on with a left hook as the Australian rarely threw a shot back in retaliation.

It was over when Haye found a way through with his ‘Hayemaker’ shot as his promise that his shoulder was stronger than ever following surgery proved to be true.

De Mori fell back to the ropes as Haye moved in with a succession of big shots before the Aussie crumpled to the floor.

 

David Haye Haye weighed in at a career-highest 16st 3lb

 

Referee Robert Williams immediately waved the fight off before medics rushed into the ring to tend to the outclassed fighter.

Haye claims he can knock out Anthony Joshua and curtail the London Olympic gold medallist

After a few nervous minutes, De Mori was back to his feet even though he was still unsteady.

Haye claims he can knock out Anthony Joshua and curtail the London Olympic gold medallist’s stunning rise through the ranks.

He did not prove too much at the same venue as Joshua pummelled Dillian Whyte just before Christmas because he was up against such a poor opponent.

But it was a case of job done for Haye and his loyal fans who turned out in big numbers here will be hoping to see him have an active 2016 to line up some big fights.