If David Haye is looking for a sparring partner ahead of his return to boxing ring, he may have found his man: TV hardman Idris Elba.
Elba is used to roughing up bad guys in crime drama Luther and looks as though he wouldn’t have any problem going a few rounds with the former heavyweight.
The pair attended a Superdry launch in central London and Elba was pictured pretending to land a punch on Haye’s chin.
Haye confirmed earlier this week that he would end his three-and-a-half year hiatus from the ring when he takes on little known Australian Mark de Mori at the O2 arena on January 16.
The 35-year-old believes the bout will be the first step on the route back to regaining the heavyweight title he held between 2009 and 2011.
“I believe I can achieve again all that I did in the past with world titles at cruiserweight and heavyweight, ” Haye said.
“There have been times with my horrendous injuries and my body falling apart that I wondered if I could do it.
“There were some low times, but I travelled the world and had the best time I could. But I am a natural-born fighter and I want to get back doing what I do best.”
Haye last fought in 2012 when he beat fellow Brit Dereck Chisora, a fight that followed a defeat by Wladimir Klitschko.
Haye was due to fight Tyson Fury, the Ukrainian’s opponent on Saturday, but had to postpone it and eventually cancel the bout due to injury concerns.
Haye underwent shoulder surgery and was advised to retire from boxing but he now feels fit and ready to return to action.
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