Deontay Wilder has been 'missed' in heavyweight division as ex-champion David Haye hails American's boxing return

DAVID HAYE has hailed Deontay Wilder's impending return to boxing after the heavyweight division "missed" the American.

Wilder's future in the ring was left up in the air following defeat in his epic trilogy bout against Tyson Fury in October.

But as revealed by SunSport, the former WBC champion is closing in on securing his comeback fight.

Haye, who is an ex-sparring partner of Wilder's, believes it is just what the blue ribband division needs.

He told Fight Hub TV: “We need big characters, big punchers, big personalities – that’s what heavyweight boxing needs.

“It’s missed him since he’s been gone. There are so many of these young fighters coming through.

"Joyce, Dubois, Hrgovic – so many names that are around the world level. Let’s mix it up. Let’s get it busy."

Wilder, 36, is set to face Robert Helenius, 38, on October 15 in New York.

The Bronze Bomber has suffered consecutive stoppage defeats to Fury, 33, which followed after their 2018 draw.

Wilder floored Fury twice on that occasion before scoring two knockdowns in their recent trilogy.

IT'S A-BOUT TIME

Joshua fight time against Usyk CONFIRMED with UK fans in for late night

'I'LL FIND YOU'

BODY SNATCHER

BJORN READY

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)

And Haye, 41, is convinced his former training partner is the only man capable of beating Fury.

He said: “I just rewatched the three fights with the number one heavyweight on the planet, Tyson Fury.

"He probably is the closest guy to beating him. He nearly knocked him out on a couple of occasions, he had him heavily hurt.”