Haye was backed heavily by the boxing community to inflict defeat on Fury, who was constantly facing scrutiny over his chin after being dropped heavily by Steve Cunningham in the fight prior. With the fight set for September 2013, Haye’s plans to score a huge victory were thwarted in the build-up when he endured a cut in sparring.
Despite the fight falling through at the first time of asking, a rearranged meeting was scheduled for the following year, but once again, Haye’s body would let him down. Requiring shoulder surgery, Haye would be absent from boxing for over three years, effectively closing the door on his mini rivalry with the current WBC champion.
“I knew it would be a tough fight,” said Haye when speaking exclusively with DAZN. “I studied him. I knew he was very big, very awkward, long arms and good footwork. I was fully prepared for the Tyson Fury of 2013. The 2013 version and the 2022 version of Tyson Fury are two very different propositions.”
Since the double postponement against Haye, Fury didn’t dwell on the disappointment of missing out on a domestic mega-fight. Two years later, Fury would be world champion after ending the lengthy reign of Wladimer Klitschko, and he would add to his legacy by defeating Deontay Wilder twice in one of boxing’s most thrilling trilogies.
In 2013, Fury was essentially still learning his trade at heavyweight with his best win being a points decision over Chisora. Some cracks had appeared in his defence, and although Haye was anticipating a stern test, he compares the fight to another contest that took place in the year he was first set to face Fury.
“I always liken it to when Canelo Alvarez fought Floyd Mayweather. That was the perfect time for Mayweather to fight Canelo because he was in his early 20s, he didn’t have experience, and he wasn’t the fighter he is today. He still has the victory over him though.
“I was in my prime, he was in his early 20s, and he hadn’t fully matured like he has done now. I’m gutted the fight didn’t take place because I was super-confident I would've got the win, but it wasn’t to be.”