David Haye has been named as No 9 in the updated WBA heavyweight rankings
By James Dielhenn
Last Updated: 19/01/16 3:57pm
David Haye is a step closer to launching a WBA title challenge
David Haye has re-entered the WBA heavyweight rankings at No 9 after his first fight in nearly four years ended in a decisive knockout win.
The 35-year-old, who spent three-and-a-half years out of the ring dealing with injuries, needed just 131 seconds to force a first-round stoppage against Mark de Mori.
Haye's reward is a swift return into the WBA's top 10, the organisation he ruled as heavyweight champion after outpointing the gigantic Nikolai Valuev in 2009.
WBA heavyweight rankings
- 1. Luis Ortiz
- 2. Lucas Browne
- 3. Wladimir Klitschko
- 4. Shannon Briggs
- 5. Alexander Ustinov
- 6. Fres Oquendo
- 7. Andrey Fedesov
- 8. Antonio Tarver
- 9. David Haye
- 10. Erkan Teper
The WBA currently recognises two heavyweight champions: Tyson Fury and Ruslan Chagaev.
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Fury won the 'Super' version of the WBA title from Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015 but has repeatedly refused to acknowledge Haye as a contender after two proposed fights were cancelled by the Londoner.
Chagaev is the 'regular' WBA heavyweight champion and is preparing to defend his belt against Ricky Hatton-trained Lucas Browne who is No 2 in the rankings.
Haye (left) crushed Mark de Mori, who was previously ranked No 10 by the WBA
No 1 ranked Luis Ortiz is also due to fight No 5 Alexander Ustinov, crowding the route for Haye to climb the rankings and win back the title belt he once wore.
David Haye has been named as No 9 in the updated WBA heavyweight rankings