Former world heavyweight champion David Haye has confirmed his return to boxing with a bout against Australias Mark de Mori at the O2 Arena on 16 January 2016. The 35-year-old has not fought for over three years since stopping fellow Briton Dereck Chisora in the summer of 2012 after retiring from the sport following shoulder surgery.

Haye won the WBA heavyweight championship by defeating Nikolai Valuev in 2009 but has since twice temporarily retired from professional boxing. Comeback opponent Mori has 26 knockouts from his 31 career fights and is ranked inside the top 10 of the WBA heavyweight rankings.

Im so happy to be able to step back through the ropes and back into the ring where I do my best work, Haye said. Its been a long three-and-a-half years out with many ups and downs. Ive a new team, new look and new inspiration to achieve my goals. Ive always set the bar high in my career and I will continue to do so.

Haye withdrew from his last scheduled fight in February 2014 against Tyson Fury due to a shoulder injury. The former cruiserweight champion retired under doctors orders after going under the knife but will return to the ring in the new year.