The day after news broke that David Haye, former world heavyweight and cruiserweight boxing champion who hung up the gloves in 2018, will step back between the ropes for an eight-round bout against fitness and nightclub entrepreneur Joe Fournier, 'The Hayemaker' took to social media to explain his decision.
Haye last competed in a pair of defeats to Tony Bellew, who himself has also now retired from the ring to work as an expert analyst for DAZN. Most recently, Haye has been managing the career of former bitter rival Derek Chisora until they amicably agreed to part ways earlier this year following Chisora's contentious defeat to Joseph Parker.
Haye's bout with Fournier will take place beneath Oscar De La Hoya vs. Vitor Belfort and Anderson Silva vs. Tito Ortiz on the Triller card taking place on September 11, but the 40-year-old was quick to dismiss suggestions it will lead to a full-time return.
"This is not a comeback," Haye posted on Instagram on Thursday. "This is about teaching Joe Fournier there are levels to the boxing game. One must stay in their lane or risk getting flattened.
"On September 11th at The Staples Center, Joe ‘The Billionaire’ Fournier will be taught that certain things in life you can’t buy.
"Champions are born not bought."
Fournier, 38, embarked on a pro boxing career in 2015 and 2016, winning eight bouts inside the distance (and having one of those wins turned into a no-contest after he tested positive for a banned substance). He did not compete for four and a half years until returning to halt musician Reykon on the Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren undercard.
Nonetheless, this is a completely different level of opponent for Fournier than anyone he has faced before.