Tuesday 19 January 2016 16:14, UK
David Haye claims he's the fastest and hardest-hitting heavyweight in the world after knocking out Mark de Mori in the first round of his comeback fight.
The former WBA world champion made an emphatic return at The O2 on Saturday night after three-and-a-half years out of the ring - ruthlessly knocking out the Australian in just over two minutes with a huge right hand and accompanying combination.
With lucrative bouts against the likes of domestic rival Anthony Joshua beckoning plus the long-term goal of regaining a world heavyweight title, Haye is enthusiastic over his future.
I believe I'm the fastest heavyweight on the planet and the hardest hitting. As soon as I start landing, people get knocked out.
He told Sky Sports: "I don't believe any heavyweight in the world could have taken the combination Mark de Mori took and stayed on their feet. I believe I'm the fastest heavyweight on the planet and the hardest hitting.
"As soon as I start landing, people get knocked out. In an ideal world, the fans get a few more rounds but you can't complain. Mike Tyson made a career of knocking people out in the first round.
"It was amazing. Exactly what I needed. I wanted to come back and show that I'm not a thing of the past. I proved just that and all the questions were answered in front of a full house at The O2.
"I wasn't expecting it to be full. It's mid-January and most boxing promoters don't even bother looking at a date this month because it's so soon after Christmas. I wanted the soonest date even after I was told ticket sales would be affected."
On his next move, Haye said: "I'm just enjoying the aftermath of victory and the right opportunity will present itself. World titles can change hands multiple times in a six-month period.
"I'm not too fussed about calling anyone out but people are coming up to me in the street and asking me when I'm going to fight Joshua. They are fans of sport in general and say we're the only two they've seen in the newspapers. We are the heavyweights they know.
"I think Eddie [Hearn] said he's going to focus on a world title, which is fair enough, but public demand normally dictates the big fights. If he wanted to fight next, I'll fight him next. I can get back in the ring whenever - I'm in good shape. I'll probably take a week or 10 days off and then start training again."
