Boxing: Haye names Charr as comeback opponent

David Haye (L) throws a punch at Dereck Chisora during the WBO International and WBA Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship fight at the West Ham football stadium in east London on July 14, 2012. David Haye won the match in the fifth round by a knockout. AFP / LEON NEAL

LONDON – Controversial boxer David Haye will take on German Manuel Charr in his comeback fight on June 29, the Briton announced on Sunday.

Lebanon-born Charr, who also has Syrian heritage, has twice already called out Haye as both men lost a world title fight to one of the dominant Klitschko brothers over the last 18-months.

And the 28-year-old has got his wish as Haymaker Boxing released a statement saying: “Former WBA world heavyweight champion David Haye will go head-to-head with next opponent Manuel Charr at a press conference this Wednesday, after agreeing a deal to fight the top 10-ranked contender on June 29 in Manchester.

“The much talked about heavyweight showdown will be televised live on Sky Sports and promoted as part of a new long-term relationship between Adam Booth of Hayemaker and Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport. It will mark Haye’s first appearance in the ring since knocking out domestic rival Dereck Chisora in July 2012.”

Haye is looking for another shot at a Klitschko brother and believes a victory over Charr could put him back in line for a title tilt.

WBA, IBF and WBO champion Wladimir beat Haye on points in July 2011 while older brother Vitali, the WBC champion, stopped Charr in September last year.

That defeat was the only loss on ‘Diamond Boy’ Charr’s record and came due to cuts rather than a knock-out punch.

Haye, 32, has lost twice in a 26-fight professional career that has had its fair share of controversy.

Haye famously angered the Klitschko brothers by pulling stunts such as turning up unannounced at events being attended by the brothers wearing a T-shirt showing their severed heads.

The brash former undisputed cruiserweight champion had previously claimed he would retire once he turned 31 but has fought once since, beating Chisora in five rounds last year.

Charr has picked up two early KO victories since his 4th round loss to Vitali.

Last month he pledged to donate half his purse to Syrian peace funds if Haye agreed to fight him.

He was born Mahmoud Omeirat Charr in Beirut to a Syrian father but has lived most of his life in Germany.