De Mori in hospital after Haye loss

Perth's Mark de Mori has been taken to hospital after his first-round loss to David Haye in Saturday's heavyweight contest at London's 02 Arena.

Mark de Mori

Perth's Mark de Mori (Pic) has been taken to hospital after his first-round loss to David Haye. (AAP)

Australia's Mark de Mori was taken to hospital following his brutal first-round knockdown by former world heavyweight champion David Haye at London's O2 Arena.

The Croatia-based Perth boxer admitted before the fight he was close to quitting the sport only to be given a new lease of life after being matched against Haye, who was making a return to the ring after more than three years out.

De Mori had vowed to spoil Haye's comeback party but it proved to be a chastening experiences after he was knocked to the canvas after just 131 seconds into the 12-round contest.

A massive right hand to the cheekbone of the 33-year-old did the damage and it took the West Australian almost five minutes to get to his feet after being counted out.

He was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure for concussion.

Haye was simply too quick, too strong and too powerful and immediately after the fight said he was ready to win back the title he lost to Wladimir Klitschko five years ago - one of only two losses in his 29-fight career.

"I had no nerves whatsoever," said Haye.

"This is where I belong. I need to live here. That shot was enough, he was gone but there were a few others to send him on his way.

"I can't see any heavyweight taking those shots. I'm not easy to hit, so how would someone go about beating that?"

But he said he doubts recently-crowned world champion Tyson Fury, who relinquished the IBF belt, would take him on.

"I think he's a good fighter, very good. It's a shame he doesn't want to fight me. I think we all know why, when he sees punch power like that," Haye said.

"I want to get back in the ring as soon as possible, keep testing myself and work up the rankings to get a title fight.

"I want to unify the heavyweight division. I set my plan out to do that and fell short. I am going to make a serious run at this division. The titles are all over the place. It will take someone like me to clean it up."


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Source: AAP



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