• Heavyweight

Haye targets title after confirming June return

ESPN staff
March 28, 2013
David Haye last fought when beating Dereck Chisora last July © PA Photos
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David Haye has set his sights on the world title after revealing he will return to the ring in Manchester in June.

The former WBA heavyweight champion 'retired' from the sport following his loss to Wladimir Klitschko in 2011, but returned for a grudge match with Dereck Chisora under a Luxembourg licence.

He has since applied for a British licence, which fuelled talk of a return - and he confirmed at a press conference on Thursday that his comeback will be at the MEN Arena on June 29.

"I want to be world champion again," Haye said. "I am happy to be back and will get the heavyweight title again."

Haye and the Klitschko brothers have been sparring verbally for some time but it seems a fight with either Wladimir or Vitali is some way off.

"I've been waiting for the phone to ring from Team Klitschko but it hasn't happened," Haye said. "Their path doesn't include me this year.

"Instead of sitting around waiting, I want to get back in there. People want me back and they'll be able to see it on June 29."

Haye feels he could be in a position of authority in two fights' time. He said: "I'm a couple of fights away from that mandatory position. Whether the Klitschkos fight me after that, we'll see."

No opponent has been named, but Haye's manager Adam Booth has confirmed big names inside the world's top 15 are in negotiations.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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