Haye (l) was last seen against Dereck Chisora (r) in July 2012.

Former WBA heavyweight titleholder David Haye will end a three-and-a-half year lay-off when he takes on Australian puncher Mark De Mori at the O2 in London, England, on Jan. 16.

Haye, who also claimed THE RING, WBA, WBC and WBO belts at cruiserweight, was last seen flattening fellow Londoner Dereck Chisora in five rounds (July 2012) before a series of shoulder injuries and fight cancellations all but destroyed his relevance.

“I want to win back my belt and my whole goal is to be the heavyweight champion of the world again,” revealed Haye (26-2, 24 knockouts) in an interview with British website, ‘The Metro’.

“I’ve had some horrendous injuries and some low times, but I feel in great shape and I’ll fight anyone who stands in my way. My shoulder has healed and I feel stronger than ever. My power is still there, I feel sharp and I’m looking forward to making some waves in the heavyweight division.

Haye continued, “I’m working with a new trainer, Shane McGuigan, who also trains Carl Frampton, and I’m really enjoying being in the gym again.”

The return of “The Hayemaker” has been one of the worst kept secrets in British boxing. The 35-year-old has been eluding to a comeback for a period of years now and, providing injury doesn’t derail him once again, this move appears to be an earnest attempt at continuing his career.

“I asked my fans on Twitter who they would like me to fight and De Mori called me out,” said Haye. “He has an impressive record. There are no names on it that make me really worried but he can talk and it should be a fun fight for the fans.

“I could have boxed someone easier but I’m not interested in that. I’d like a rematch with Wladimir Klitschko down the line but I’ll fight anyone who stands in my way to being the champion.”

As Haye hinted, De Mori (30-1-2, 26 KOs) has only shared the ring with undistinguished opposition and, in terms of experience, should be out of his league against the two-weight world titleholder.

Information courtesy of a story written by Simon Osborn of “The Metro”