David Haye has been named as No 9 in the updated WBA heavyweight rankings

David Haye is a step closer to launching a WBA title challenge

David Haye has re-entered the WBA heavyweight rankings at No 9 after his first fight in nearly four years ended in a decisive knockout win.

The 35-year-old, who spent three-and-a-half years out of the ring dealing with injuries, needed just 131 seconds to force a first-round stoppage against Mark de Mori.

Haye's reward is a swift return into the WBA's top 10, the organisation he ruled as heavyweight champion after outpointing the gigantic Nikolai Valuev in 2009.

WBA heavyweight rankings 1. Luis Ortiz

2. Lucas Browne

3. Wladimir Klitschko

4. Shannon Briggs

5. Alexander Ustinov

6. Fres Oquendo

7. Andrey Fedesov

8. Antonio Tarver

9. David Haye

10. Erkan Teper

The WBA currently recognises two heavyweight champions: Tyson Fury and Ruslan Chagaev.

Fury won the 'Super' version of the WBA title from Wladimir Klitschko in November 2015 but has repeatedly refused to acknowledge Haye as a contender after two proposed fights were cancelled by the Londoner.

Chagaev is the 'regular' WBA heavyweight champion and is preparing to defend his belt against Ricky Hatton-trained Lucas Browne who is No 2 in the rankings.

Haye (left) crushed Mark de Mori, who was previously ranked No 10 by the WBA

No 1 ranked Luis Ortiz is also due to fight No 5 Alexander Ustinov, crowding the route for Haye to climb the rankings and win back the title belt he once wore.