David Haye vs Joe Fournier LIVE: Result and reaction
Follow all the latest updates from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Former cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion David Haye came out of retirement and scored a points win over Joe Fournier.
The Hayemaker, 40, took on Fournier on the undercard of the bout between Evander Holyfield and Vitor Belfort at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
It had been more than three years since Haye lost to Tony Bellew at the O2 Arena in London where he lost by TKO in round five.
All three judges scored in favour of Haye over eight rounds, two by 79-72 and a third 80-71.
In his post-fight interview, Haye said: “There’s one fighter I’d come back to professional boxing for. That’s Tyson Fury.
“That big fat dosser, I know his kryptonite, I know what he can’t handle.
“He wants a fight? The Hayemaker will come for you. When Tyson Fury really wants a challenge... the fans want to see it, the fans want to see Tyson Fury facing someone who can knock him out.” Relive all the action live below:
Evander Holyfield stopped in first round of sad spectacle
The 58-year-old all-time great was floored by Vitor Belfort in a dispiriting exhibition bout
Belfort stops Holyfield in first round
A sad spectacle comes to an unsurprising end. Belfort walks forwards unchallenged from the opening bell and unleashes a barrage of punches. The pressure causes Holyfield to slip through the ropes and, although he’s back on his feet and fine to continue, he’s dropped by a relatively lethargic combination just seconds later. After beating the count, he takes another series of punches without offering any response and the referee stops the fight. This was a dreadful show that should never have been allowed to take place.
This is Holyfield’s first fight in a decade after a career many agree continued far too long. The hall-of-famer is 58 years old and we can only hope this bout remains true to its status as an exhibition for entertainment rather than in the vein of an actual professional contest.
Holyfield and Belfort in the ring
Holyfield walks to the ring second and the main event of this bizarre evening is finally upon us.
Fighters prepare to make ring walks
The two fighters are ready to make their ring walks. There will be eight two-minute rounds in this exhibition fight. Holyfield has a huge advantage in size, skill and experience, but is 14 years older than his opponent, Vitor Belfort.
A memorial 10-count is held in honour of those lives lost on 9/11 before the American national anthem is sung by D’Corey Johnson.
Buffer makes ring introductions
It may not be a typical fight night, but Michael Buffer, ever the professional, is treating it as such. First, he introduces the national anthems.
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