David Haye wants Deontay Wilder and WBC title as comeback gathers pace but rules out Tyson Fury

David Haye is plotting a return to the ring he hopes will culminate in a WBA heavyweight title clash with Deontay Wilder, but has drawn a line under his feud with Tyson Fury.

Haye, 34, has not fought since his 2012 since his victory over Dereck Chisora at Upton Park and was twice force to withdraw from a meeting with Fury due to injury.

Shoulder surgery in November 2013 threatened to end his career but the former world champion continues to plot a comeback that won't involve a revived showdown with the undefeated Fury.

"I'll be back – 100%. I'll fight again," Haye was quoted as saying by the Mirror. "I am in no rush to name a date or an opponent, but it will definitely happen. I was ringside at the Carl Froch-George Groves fight last year and I realise how much I had missed big stadium fights.

"Fury can forget it, though. It is just not going to happen – destiny has decided he is not going to get a payday out of me."

Haye is now targeting America and an old sparring partner of his in Wilder, who is undefeated in his 33 professional fights with 32 of those wins coming by knockout. And while he realises he simply cannot wade back into the heavyweight division after a lengthy absence, the Brit hopes to be within touching distance of a title shot by the end of 2016.

He told the Mail: "The heavyweight division is looking good as it has done for a long time. You've got Wladimir Klitschko still doing what he does, you've got the emergence of Deontay Wilder, the WBC champions, big guy, perfect record.

"He just had a great win and I was in Vegas when he fought Bermane Stiverne. He looked like the real deal, he really did."

Haye continued: "I think a great route would be to go to America and try to navigate a way to the WBC title. Deontay Wilder is a very good champion and if i start fighting regularly I am probably a year or 18 months away from being in a mandatory position to fight him. I'm not stupid and I don't think I will just jump straight in there.

"I think it would be disrespectful to the champions and a bit idiotic of myself to think that just because three years ago I could fight at a good level I can just come straight back. Not even Usain Bolt can take three years out and come straight in and expect to beat the world."