David Haye makes comeback against Mark de Mori... but what can viewers expect from free-to-air entertainment channel Dave?

  • David Haye fights Mark de Mori at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday 
  • The fight will be broadcast on free-to-air entertainment channel Dave
  • Dave's popular shows include re-runs of Top Gear and 8 out of 10 Cats
  • Sportsmail takes a look at what viewers can expect from the channel
  • Click here for the latest David Haye news updates  

When David Haye announced he was returning to the ring, it was widely assumed his fight would be screened on Sky Sports.

But his heavyweight comeback against Mark de Mori on Saturday night will break the mould and be shown on free-to-air entertainment channel Dave.


Here, Sportsmail takes a look at what you can expect from the self-proclaimed 'home of witty banter'.

David Haye makes his return to the boxing ring on Saturday, facing Mark de Mori at the O2 Arena in London

David Haye makes his return to the boxing ring on Saturday, facing Mark de Mori at the O2 Arena in London

The 35-year-old boxer will break the mould, with the fight shown on free-to-air entertainment channel Dave

The 35-year-old boxer will break the mould, with the fight shown on free-to-air entertainment channel Dave

 

So why is Dave on Dave?

David Haye insists he always wanted his first fight back from injury to be on free TV as a reward for his fans' loyalty. 

That immediately ruled out Sky Sports and Box Nation and in the end Dave was chosen over the more obvious choices of ITV and Channel 5, both of which have recently shown boxing.

The last time I checked, Dave mostly showed re-runs of Top Gear...

The channel does have a reputation for showing repeats but has added a number of original programmes to its repertoire although they tend to be chat and quiz shows.

Haye wanted his return to be on free-to-air television and eventually opted for entertainment channel Dave 

Haye wanted his return to be on free-to-air television and eventually opted for entertainment channel Dave 

The free-to-air entertainment channel has a reputation for showing repeats including Top Gear (pictured)

The free-to-air entertainment channel has a reputation for showing repeats including Top Gear (pictured)

DAVID HAYE

Height 6ft 3in

From London, United Kingdom

Age 35

Stance Orthodox

Total fights 28

Wins 26

Wins by KO 24

Draws 0

Losses 2

MARK DE MORI

Height 6ft 2in

From Perth, Australia

Age 33

Stance Orthodox

Total fights 33

Wins 30

Wins by KO 26

Draws 2

Losses 1

So no sport then?

No, this will be the first time Dave has broadcast a live sporting event but they are confident they have a team in place which will deliver the goods. 

Production company Giant Film and TV have worked in MMA and director John Watts has a wealth of experience in boxing broadcasting. 

David Green, director of Giant, told Sportsmail: 'From a sport point of view, it will still have all the credentials and integrity of a big boxing fight.'

Haye and De Mori pose for the cameras at their press conference in London on Wednesday afternoon

Haye and De Mori pose for the cameras at their press conference in London on Wednesday afternoon

Haye takes to the podium and was joined by his trainer Shane McGuigan who he started working with last year

Haye takes to the podium and was joined by his trainer Shane McGuigan who he started working with last year

DAVE'S USUAL SATURDAY VIEWING

6-8pm

Traffic Cops

8-10pm

Would I Lie to You

10-11pm

Dave Gorman: Modern Life is Goodish

11-12pm

Have I Got a Bit More News For You 

And what about the presenter? And commentators?

Paul Dempsey will anchor the two-hour show. Having moved from radio into television, he has worked for Sky Sports, Setanta and most recently BT Sport. 

While at Sky he worked on fights involving Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson and has also worked at the World Cup and Olympics. 

The commentary team will be made up of lead Ronald McIntosh, who has covered boxing at four Olympic Games, and cruiserweight boxer BJ Flores who is a friend of Haye. 

Flores last fought last summer and has been working as an analyst in America on NBC for Al Haymon's Premier Boxing Champions series.

Cruiserweight boxer BJ Flores (left), who is a friend of Haye, will be part of the commentary team on Saturday

Cruiserweight boxer BJ Flores (left), who is a friend of Haye, will be part of the commentary team on Saturday

Will they be showing the undercard?

The only live fight will be the main event which is due to start at 9.45pm. After that is finished, there will be selected highlights from the five-fight undercard. 

There will also be a half-hour preview show on Friday night from 8pm. It is believed there will be a break in the action of 45 minutes before Haye fights in which the fans in The O2 will be entertained by dance chart-toppers Sigma. It is unclear whether Dave will also show it.

Before Haye (pictured during his fight against Dereck Chisora in July 2012) fights there will be live music

Before Haye (pictured during his fight against Dereck Chisora in July 2012) fights there will be live music

Anything else?

Yes, Haye's fight will be the first ever to be broadcast live in 360 degrees. By downloading the Haymaker 360 app, fans can watch the action from all angles and access content relating to Haye's preparation for the fight.

Haye's fight will be the first ever to be broadcast live in 360 degrees - which he confirmed on Twitter 

Haye's fight will be the first ever to be broadcast live in 360 degrees - which he confirmed on Twitter 

David Haye takes on Mark de Mori at The O2 on January 16. For tickets visit axs.com or watch the fight exclusively live on Dave from 9pm.