Former heavyweight champ Haye to return to boxing

Former World Heavyweight Champion David Haye, left, poses with Australian opponent Mark de Mori following a press conference at the O2, London. Tuesday Nov. 24, 2015. (Adam Davy/AP)

LONDON — Former heavyweight champion David Haye is going to return to boxing with a bout against Mark de Mori of Australia at London’s O2 arena next year.

Haye will take on the 33-year-old De Mori on Jan. 16, his first fight since beating fellow Briton Dereck Chisora in 2012.

Haye says "I’m so happy to be able to step back through the ropes and back into the ring."

The 35-year-old Haye was forced to withdraw from two fights in 2013, against Manuel Charr and Tyson Fury, because of injuries.

He was advised by surgeons to consider retiring after shoulder surgery which ruled him out of taking on Fury.

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