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David Haye

{{Short description|British boxer (born 1980)}}

{{Use British English|date=September 2013}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}

{{Infobox boxer

| name = David Haye

| image = David Haye.png

| caption = Haye vs. Ismail Abdoul, 2006

| realname = David Deron Haye

| nickname = The Hayemaker

| weight = {{plainlist|

}}

| height = 6 ft 3 inSky Box Office tale of the tape prior to the second Tony Bellew fight.

| reach = 78 in

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1980|10|13}}

| birth_place = Bermondsey, London, England

| style = Orthodox

| total = 32

| wins = 28

| KO = 26

| losses = 4

| medaltemplates =

{{MedalSport | Men's amateur boxing}}

{{MedalCountry | {{ENG}} }}

{{MedalCompetition | Copenhagen Cup}}{{cite web|url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Tournaments/CopenhagenCup2000.html|title=21.Copenhagen Cup - Copenhagen, Denmark - November 23-26 2000|website=Amateur Boxing Results|date=26 November 2000|access-date=13 March 2020}}

{{MedalGold | Copenhagen 2000 | Heavyweight}}

{{MedalCompetition | Trofeo Italia}}{{cite web|url=http://amateur-boxing.strefa.pl/Tournaments/TrofeoItalia2002.html|title=20.Trofeo Italia - Naples, Italy - March 18-24 2002|website=Amateur Boxing Results|date=24 March 2002|access-date=13 March 2020}}

{{MedalGold | Naples 2002 | Heavyweight}}

{{MedalCompetition | World Amateur Championships}}

{{MedalSilver | Belfast 2001 | Heavyweight}}

}}

David Deron Haye (born 13 October 1980) is a British former professional boxer who competed between 2002 and 2018. He held multiple world championships in two weight classes, and was the first British boxer to reach the final of the World Amateur Boxing Championships, where he won a silver medal in 2001.

As a professional, Haye became a unified cruiserweight world champion in 2008, winning three of the four major world titles, as well as the Ring magazine and lineal titles. He was ranked by BoxRec as the world's No.1 cruiserweight from 2005 to 2007, and was also ranked within ten best in 2003 and 2004.{{cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/media/index.php/BoxRec%27s_Annual_Ratings:_Cruiserweight_Annuals|title=BoxRec's Annual Ratings: Cruiserweight Annuals|access-date=26 December 2020|publisher=BoxRec}} In 2008 he moved up to heavyweight, winning the WBA title in 2009 after defeating Nikolai Valuev, who had a size advantage of {{convert|9|in|cm}} in height and {{convert|99|lb|kg}} in weight over Haye. Along with Evander Holyfield and Oleksandr Usyk, Haye is one of only three boxers in history to have unified the cruiserweight world titles and become a world heavyweight champion. As of September 2021, BoxRec ranks Haye as the 100th greatest British fighter of all time.{{cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/ratings?r%5Brole%5D=box-pro&r%5Bsex%5D=M&r%5Bstatus%5D=&r%5Bdivision%5D=&r%5Bcountry%5D=GB&r_go=&offset=50|title=BoxRec ratings: United Kingdom, pound-for-pound, active and inactive|access-date=22 July 2020|publisher=BoxRec}}

Haye founded his own boxing promotional firm, Hayemaker Promotions, in 2008. He became a vegan in 2014 and launched his own range of vegan protein powder later that year.

Early life

David Deron Haye was born in the Bermondsey area of London on 13 October 1980. He grew up in Bermondsey for most of his childhood, and attended Bacon's College in Rotherhithe.{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/meet-david-haye-the-former-world-heavyweight-champion-who-wants-to-make-boxing-classy/haye-grew-up-in-bermondsey-south-london-he-lived-in-a-two-bedroom-flat-in-an-18th-floor-apartment-with-his-jamaican-father-british-mother-sister-and-brother-i-had-the-best-of-both-nationalities-haye-said-/slidelist/51982937.cms|title = Meet David Haye, the former world heavyweight champion who wants to make boxing 'classy'}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/heavyweight-champ-david-haye-on-how-432506|title = Heavyweight champ David Haye on how he became the best boxer in the world|website = Daily Mirror|date = 21 November 2009}}

Amateur career

At the age of eighteen, Haye competed in the light-heavyweight division at the 1999 World Amateur Boxing Championships in Houston, Texas. He knocked out then-ABA light-heavyweight champion Courtney Fry, but missed out on the 2000 Sydney Olympics after a controversial defeat in the qualifier in which he was eliminated by experienced American Michael Simms early in the contest.

At the 2001 World Championships in Belfast, Haye fought in the heavyweight division where he defeated Sebastian Köber to reach the final. In this bout he managed to score a standing eight count against Odlanier Solís, but was later stopped by the Cuban in round three to earn a silver medal.

Haye's claimed amateur record was 83–11 though his wins are likely half that amount and he has been found to have a few more losses.{{Cite web | url=http://boxrec.com/media/index.php?title=Human:155774 |title = David Haye - BoxRec}}

Professional career

=Early career=

Based in Bermondsey, Haye turned professional in December 2002, aged 22. In his first fight he defeated Tony Booth via second-round corner retirement (RTD).{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2002/dec/09/boxing.johnrawling | title=Haye makes barnstorming debut | first=John | last=Rawling | date=9 December 2002 | newspaper=The Guardian | access-date=17 September 2020 }} In 2003 he won seven fights, two of which were the only fights he has fought in the United States. He won all by knockout (KO), the most notable being a fourth-round KO of Lolenga Mock, in which Haye had to come off the floor to win.

Haye's fights were regularly seen on the BBC and his popularity began to grow in 2004, when he dispatched the 39-year-old former world champion "King" Arthur Williams in three rounds.{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/boxing-haye-hints-at-bright-future-by-crushing-williams-563221.html|title=Boxing: Haye hints at bright future by crushing Williams|date=12 May 2004|website=www.independent.co.uk/|access-date=13 December 2016}}

==Haye vs. Thompson==

Later that year, in his eleventh fight, he fought 40-year-old former WBO champion Carl Thompson in a 'youth vs. experience' match-up. Haye started fast and alarmingly caught Thompson with constant barrages of power punches, coming close to forcing a stoppage at numerous points over the first few rounds.

Gradually, despite the early punishment he received, Thompson warmed up and worked his way into the fight whilst Haye seemed to tire and slow down. Thompson began to pressure Haye and knocked Haye down with a chopping right hand in round five. With seven seconds left in the round, Thompson landed two jabs followed by a flush right hand which cleanly caught a fatigued Haye, and compelled Haye's corner to throw in the towel; Haye was leading on all three scorecards before the stoppage.{{Cite web|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/boxing/sport/story/52688.html|title=Cocky Haye silenced by veteran Thompson|date=28 October 2010|website=ESPN|access-date=13 December 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://thecomeback.com/queensberryrules/2014-articles/carl-thompson-weathers-cuts-down-david-haye.html|title=CARL THOMPSON WEATHERS, CUTS DOWN DAVID HAYE|date=25 December 2014|access-date=13 December 2016}}

=European champion=

Haye returned against Estonian Valery Semishkur, winning by technical knockout (TKO) in round one, then defeated Garry Delaney by a third-round TKO. Following two more fights against Glen Kelly and Vincenzo Rossitto, Haye faced Alexander Gurov for the European cruiserweight title. Haye easily knocked out Gurov with a single right hand in just 45 seconds.{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxnews.com.ua/en/fight/979/2005-12-16/Alexander-Gurov-VS-David-Haye|title=Fight Alexander Gurov L KO 1 (12) David Haye|access-date=13 December 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxnews.com.ua/en/news/2266/2005-12-17/Astonishing-Haye-wins-European-Title-in-55-seconds-|title=Astonishing Haye wins European Title in 55 seconds!|date=17 December 2005|access-date=13 December 2016}}

==Haye vs. Fragomeni==

In January 2006, Haye signed a three-year contract with former Lennox Lewis promoter Frank Maloney to further his world title ambitions. He successfully defended his European title against Ismail Abdoul in a lopsided twelve-round decision.{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxing247.com/weblog/archives/109576|title=David Haye v Ismail Abdoul – Ringside Report|date=23 July 2006|access-date=13 December 2016}} He defeated Giacobbe Fragomeni, when he broke through the Italian's defences in the ninth round, finally flooring his man in a flurry of punches. Haye had waited seven years for the opportunity to defeat Fragomeni, who controversially out-pointed him as an amateur in the final qualifying tournament for the Sydney Games.{{Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/6151596.stm|title=Gutsy Haye disposes of Fragomeni|date=17 November 2006|website=BBC Boxing|access-date=13 December 2016}}

Haye's cameo at heavyweight in April 2007 resulted in a first-round KO win over Polish fighter Tomasz Bonin,{{cite news | title=Haye powers to win as heavyweight |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/6598365.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=27 April 2007 |access-date=6 July 2011}} who at the time was ranked No. 9 by the WBC and had only one loss, against Audley Harrison. Haye admitted he was taking "a crazy step up" when he fought Bonin at Wembley Arena. Haye said in a post-fight interview "If you asked me when I was three years old, I'd say I'm going to be the heavyweight champion of world. I never said cruiserweight. It's what I wanted to do since I can remember. I always wanted to be the main man in boxing. I want everyone to recognise I can beat every other boxer in the world. That's why I'm fighting the guy I'm fighting. I really want to prove to everyone I am the man."{{Cite news|title = Haye is relishing 'crazy' fight|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/6572963.stm|newspaper = BBC|date = 19 April 2007|access-date = 14 October 2015}}

=Unified cruiserweight champion=

==Haye vs. Mormeck==

{{main|Jean-Marc Mormeck vs. David Haye}}

Haye challenged Jean-Marc Mormeck (33–3, 22 KOs) on 10 November 2007 for the WBA, WBC, The Ring and lineal cruiserweight titles.{{cite web|url=http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/cruiser.htm|title=David Haye - Lineal Cruiserweight Champion|publisher=The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia}} Following being knocked down himself in the fourth round, Haye unleashed a combination made up of a right uppercut, left, then right hook to floor Mormeck in the seventh round to win by TKO. The victory meant Haye became Britain's sixth world champion. "I worked my way back into the fight and showed great heart, 17 weeks of hard work have paid off."{{Cite news|title = Haye stuns Mormeck to win titles|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/7086568.stm|newspaper = BBC|date = 10 November 2007|access-date = 14 October 2015}} The victory confirmed Haye's arrival as a genuine world class fighter. At this point Haye made his initial mark on history as Britain's first two-belt cruiserweight champion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxing247.com/boxing/Mormeck-Haye.php|title=Haye KOs Mormeck|access-date=13 December 2016}}

The Mormeck fight was expected to be Haye's last fight in the cruiserweight division. However Haye would be tempted into a unification cruiserweight bout for the most lucrative fight of his career.

==Haye vs. Maccarinelli==

{{main|David Haye vs. Enzo Maccarinelli}}

Haye and Enzo Maccarinelli (28–1, 21 KOs) met in an all-British world cruiserweight title fight, in the early hours of 9 March 2008 at O2 Arena in London. Haye's WBA, WBC, and The Ring titles were at stake, while Maccarinelli's WBO title was on the line. British trade paper Boxing News produced a pullout special on the match, which was widely billed as the biggest all-British bout since Chris Eubank met Nigel Benn. As both fighters were hard punchers with excellent KO records, a short fight was predicted.{{cite news | last=Woodhall | first=Richie | title=Haye Faces Toughest Test Yet |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tv_and_radio/grandstand/3635048.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 September 2004 |access-date=12 February 2015}} These predictions proved to be correct, as Haye knocked out Maccarinelli in the second round of the contest. Commenting on the fight and of the prospect of working again with Frank Warren, Maccarinelli's promoter, Haye said, "We thank Frank for sacrificing Maccarinelli, but we'd feel immense guilt if we took any more free money from Sports Network. I have a hard enough time sleeping at night as it is."[https://web.archive.org/web/20080604092757/http://www.livefight.com/news/david-haye-%27i-will-never-work-with-sports-network-again%27_581.html Haye – I will never work with Sports Network again]. Livefight.com (1 June 2008)

=Heavyweight=

Haye described the victory over Maccarinelli as "the final piece" in his cruiserweight jigsaw. Haye then defeated heavyweight Monte Barrett at The O2 Arena in London on 15 November 2008, winning via TKO in the fifth round.[http://fighthype.com/pages/content3802.html Round-By-Round: Haye Vs. Barrett]. Fighthype (15 November 2008). Retrieved on 26 January 2013.

WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko confirmed he would defend his title in a fight with Haye to take place on 20 June 2009, at Stamford Bridge in London. Instead, his younger brother, WBO, IBF, and IBO champion Wladimir Klitschko agreed to fight Haye the same date in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Haye pulled out of the fight with a back injury.[https://www.espn.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=4235323 Wladimir Klitschko replaces injured David Haye with Ruslan Chagaev for 20 June fight – ESPN]. Sports.espn.go.com (6 June 2009). Retrieved on 11 October 2010.

=WBA heavyweight champion=

==Haye vs. Valuev==

{{Main|Nikolai Valuev vs. David Haye}}

Haye then confirmed that he would meet the WBA champion Nikolay Valuev (50–1, 34 KOs) on 7 November 2009 in the Nuremberg Arena, Nuremberg, Germany. Haye's former trainer Adam Booth said it was a fight that Valuev wanted; it was billed as David and Goliath.{{cite news |title=Haye to fight WBA champion Valuev |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/8164412.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 July 2009 |access-date=23 July 2009 }} Haye weighed in at 217 pounds, almost 100 pounds less than his opponent. Haye said about Valuev: "He is the ugliest thing I have ever seen. I have watched Lord of the Rings and films with strange-looking people, but for a human being to look like he does is pretty shocking."{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/funny_old_game/8268911.stm|title=Sport quotes of the week |last=Charles|first=Chris|date=23 September 2009|work=BBC Sport|access-date=23 September 2009}}

Haye beat Valuev in a reserved display of accuracy and efficiency, countering Valuev's misses, jabbing and circling his much larger opponent.{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/08/david-haye-nikolai-valuev | location=London | work=The Guardian | title=David Haye beat Nikolai Valuev despite suffering a broken hand | first=Kevin | last=Mitchell | date=8 November 2009}} Haye came close to knocking Valuev down in the final round with a hard left hand, which made Valuev stumble. Haye won a majority decision (MD) with scores of 114–114, 116–112, and 116–112.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20160304022638/http://boxingnews365.com/haye-takes-wba-heavy-title.html > Haye Takes WBA Heavy Title!]}}. BoxingNews365. Retrieved on 17 June 2011. Haye is the first and currently only boxer in the history of the sport to be seven stone or more lighter than an opponent in a world title fight and still come out victorious.{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} The fight garnered 469,000 buys on Sky Sports Box Office, which saw Haye receive a payday of £2.1 million.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13943609|title=Haye looks for heavyweight payday|last=Lalani|first=Zahid|date=2011-06-29|work=BBC News|access-date=2018-05-12|language=en-GB}}

==Haye vs. Ruiz==

{{Main|David Haye vs. John Ruiz}}

On 26 January 2010, former WBA champion John Ruiz was announced as Haye's first title defence on 3 April at the M.E.N Arena in Manchester, live on Sky Box Office. Ruiz, ranked as the number one contender by the WBA was initially in line to fight Valuev, however agree to step aside. Ruiz was unhappy at the fight being staged in the UK and not Las Vegas, as he thought it would be. Ruiz did not show up at the official press conference.{{Cite news|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/334239-ruiz-and-haye-sign-b-hop-waits|title=John Ruiz and David Haye Sign, Bernard Hopkins Waits|last=James|first=CJ|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=2018-01-19|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.britishboxers.co.uk/2010/01/david-haye-v-john-ruiz-set-for/|title=David Haye v John Ruiz set for the Manchester M.E.N on 3 April 2010|date=2010-01-26|work=British Boxing News|access-date=2018-01-19|language=en-GB}} Haye defeated Ruiz in his first WBA title defence by TKO in the ninth round after knocking Ruiz down four times during the fight. This was only the second time Ruiz had been stopped, after being knocked out in round one by David Tua 14 years prior to facing Haye. After the fight, Haye immediately called on both Klitschko brothers, after claiming their recent challengers Eddie Chambers and Chris Arreola were "a disgrace to boxing."{{Cite news|url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2010/4/3/1404020/david-haye-bashes-past-john-ruiz|title=David Haye bashes past John Ruiz in nine rounds|work=Bad Left Hook|access-date=2018-01-19}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxing/david-haye/7550752/David-Haye-v-John-Ruiz-Londoner-stops-gritty-American-in-style.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxing/david-haye/7550752/David-Haye-v-John-Ruiz-Londoner-stops-gritty-American-in-style.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=David Haye v John Ruiz: Londoner stops gritty American in style|journal=Daily Telegraph|first=Gareth A.|last=Davies|date=2010-04-04|access-date=2018-01-19|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}} Haye earned a £1 million purse for the bout.{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxingnews24.com/2016/01/204130/|title=David Haye: King of the Pay Day » Boxing News 24|date=2016-01-15|website=Boxing News 24|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-24}}

==Haye vs. Harrison==

{{Main|David Haye vs. Audley Harrison}}

It was confirmed on 7 September 2010 that Haye would fight Audley Harrison on 13 November 2010 at the Manchester Arena. The press conference for the bout became heated, leading to the two fighters swearing at each other on live television.{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/8968472.stm | title = WBA champion David Haye to fight Audley Harrison | publisher = BBC Sport | access-date = 7 September 2010 | date = 7 September 2010}} On 13 November 2010, Haye defeated Harrison with one minute, seven seconds remaining of the third round by TKO. Southpaw Harrison landed one punch during the entire fight. He staggered to his feet after being knocked down, only for Haye to immediately pounce right back on him, hitting him with another flurry of punches. The referee intervened and ended the bout.{{cite news |title=David Haye targets Klitschko brothers for next fight |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/9187669.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 November 2010 |access-date=14 November 2010 |first=Ben |last=Dirs}} Haye earned £4.2 million for the fight and Harrison had a purse of £1.5 million. The fight was bought by 223,000 households in the UK on Sky Box Office. An investigation took place after the fight and Harrison's purse was withheld, due to his underwhelming performance. After listening to Harrison's explanation, the British Boxing Board of Control decided to release his purse.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/sport/story/67189.html|title=Harrison allowed to keep Haye purse|website=ESPN.co.uk|access-date=2019-05-24}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxingnews24.com/2011/01/the-bbbofc-lets-audley-harrison-gets-to-keep-entire-purse-for-haye-bout/|title=The BBBofC lets Audley Harrison keep his entire purse from the Haye bout » Boxing News 24|date=2011-01-11|website=Boxing News 24|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-24|archive-date=14 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614043653/http://www.boxingnews24.com/2011/01/the-bbbofc-lets-audley-harrison-gets-to-keep-entire-purse-for-haye-bout/|url-status=dead}}

Haye's plans to unify the heavyweight division took a major setback in January 2011 when it was revealed that Tomas Adamek would fight one of the Klitschko brothers in September 2011,{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/9376173.stm | work=BBC News | title=Haye hopes dented by Adamek deal | date=26 January 2011}} before his planned retirement in October of that year. However, in April 2011, it was announced that Haye and Wladimir Klitschko had agreed to meet at the Imtech Arena in Hamburg on 2 July 2011.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/13140466.stm|title=David Haye and Wladimir Klitschko set for 2 July fight|date=20 April 2011|publisher=BBC}}

==Haye vs. Wladimir Klitschko==

{{Main|Wladimir Klitschko vs. David Haye}}

Haye vs. Klitschko was the first heavyweight unification fight since Klitschko and Sultan Ibragimov fought back in 2008, when Klitschko beat Ibragimov and added the WBO title to his IBF title. Klitschko defeated Haye by unanimous decision (UD) to become the unified WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and The Ring heavyweight champion.[http://www.rte.ie/sport/boxing/2011/0702/haye_klitschko.html Klitschko dominates Haye in Hamburg clash – RTÉ Sport] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704082543/http://www.rte.ie/sport/boxing/2011/0702/haye_klitschko.html |date=4 July 2011 }}. Rte.ie (2 July 2011). Retrieved on 26 January 2013.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jul/02/david-haye-wladimir-klitschko-live|title=David Haye v Wladimir Klitschko – as it happened|date=2 July 2011|work=Guardian|access-date=4 July 2011|location=London|first=Gregg|last=Roughley}} Klitschko and Haye agreed to a 50–50 split of the purse and Haye was allotted 7,000 seats at the venue.[http://boxrec.com/show_display.php?show_id=619703 BoxRec Boxing Records] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617022145/http://boxrec.com/show_display.php?show_id=619703 |date=17 June 2015 }}. Boxrec.com. Retrieved 19 June 2011.[http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/klitschko-haye-in-hamburg-82077 Boxing – Klitschko-Haye in Hamburg] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110424075421/http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/klitschko-haye-in-hamburg-82077|date=24 April 2011}}. Fightnews.com (20 April 2011). Retrieved 19 June 2011.[http://www.rtl.de/cms/information/boxen/boxen_news/boxen-klitschko-haye.html?startid=658890 Profile], RTL.de. Retrieved 19 June 2011. Klitschko dominated the fight, statistically outlanding Haye nearly 2 to 1. The three judges scored it 117–109, 118–108, and 116–110 all in favour of Klitschko. Haye revealed afterwards that he had a broken toe.{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/sport/story/99125.html|title=Klitschko comprehensively settles score with Haye|date=2 July 2011|access-date=2 July 2011|publisher=ESPN}} Both Klitschko and Haye reportedly earned $32 million each for the bout.{{cite web|date=7 July 2016|title=Как боксеры выбивают большие деньги|url-status=dead|work=klitschko-brothers.com|url=https://klitschko-brothers.com/novosti/kak-boksery-vybivayut-bolshie-dengi.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127032251/https://klitschko-brothers.com/novosti/kak-boksery-vybivayut-bolshie-dengi.html|archive-date=27 November 2020|access-date=10 September 2022}}

=Retirement talks and return=

BBC chief Charlie Smith told The Sun on 11 October 2011 that Haye had informed him that he would not be renewing his boxing licence, thus retiring from the sport.{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,20876_7234718,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213192652/http://www.skysports.com/story/0%2C%2C20876_7234718%2C00.html |archive-date=13 December 2011 |title=Haye to retire – BBBC chief |date=11 October 2011 |work=Skysports |url-status=dead }} Haye has had a long-standing plan to retire early. After the Harrison fight Haye said his plans to retire before he is 31 had not altered: "I will have achieved what I wanted to achieve – undisputed cruiserweight champion, unify the heavyweight division and then call it a day." In December 2010, during the negotiations to fight Klitschko, Haye said if the fight did not happen, "I'll just have to accept that becoming the WBA champion was enough and move on with my life. That'll be 20 years of getting punched in the face, which is a long enough time. I set my goals and achieved them so unifying the titles is the cherry on the cake but if it doesn't happen it wasn't meant to be and I've just got to get on with my life".[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/9293972.stm "David Haye offers Wladimir Klitschko 50–50 split"]. BBC News (21 December 2010). Retrieved on 19 May 2012.

An authorised biography by Elliot Worsell, Making Haye, was published in late 2011, chronicling Haye's career from its beginnings, when Haye and Worsell befriended one another, up until the aftermath of the Wladimir Klitschko fight.{{Cite web |last=Cording |first=Steve |date=9 July 2012 |title=I welcome David Haye's return – just don't invite him to my wedding |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/other-sports/i-welcome-david-haye-s-return-just-don-t-invite-him-to-my-wedding-7924370.html |access-date=24 November 2011 |website=London Evening Standard}}

==Vitali Klitschko negotiations==

Haye put retirement on hold and was in negotiations for a possible bout with WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko on 3 March 2012.{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/15927657.stm | work=BBC News | title=Haye confirms Kiltschko fight talks | date=28 November 2011}} However, Klitschko went on to schedule a fight with Derek Chisora on 18 February 2012, which he won by decision. Following the fight there was a fracas between Chisora and Haye, who had attended as a spectator, leading to speculation that Haye might come out of retirement to fight Chisora. However, on 21 February, Haye confirmed that he would only come out of retirement to fight Klitschko.{{cite news| url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxing/9095580/David-Haye-will-not-fight-Dereck-Chisora-and-may-never-enter-the-ring-again-says-Adam-Booth.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxing/9095580/David-Haye-will-not-fight-Dereck-Chisora-and-may-never-enter-the-ring-again-says-Adam-Booth.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | work=Telegraph.co.uk| title=Haye David Haye will not fight Dereck Chisora and may never enter the ring again, says Adam Booth | date=21 February 2012| location=London}}{{cbignore}} On 8 May, Haye signed on to face Chisora on 14 July.

==Haye vs. Chisora==

{{Main|David Haye vs. Derek Chisora}}Haye attended the 2012 WBC heavyweight title fight in which Vitali Klitschko defeated Derek Chisora. Following the fight, Haye began heckling the post-fight press conference, leading to a violent brawl with Chisora and his entourage. Klitschko's manager Bernd Boente said "with the bad experience we've had with British fighters we will now look for other countries". He then told Haye from the dais "You had an offer, you didn't accept it, now you are out. You are out. You cannot talk yourself back into the fight, you have no belts." Chisora then called out Haye, but Haye dismissed Chisora as "a loser".

Chisora taunted Haye by asking him "How's your toe David? How's your toe?".[http://www.express.co.uk/comment/blogs/303215/Full-transcript-of-the-Dereck-Chisora-and-David-Haye-brawl Full transcript of the Dereck Chisora and David Haye brawl] Chisora challenged Haye to tell him that to his face and approached Haye sparking a melee with Haye throwing the first punch with what appeared to be a glass bottle in his hand, as the brawl progressed Haye was seen swinging a camera tripod. After order was restored, a furious Chisora stated multiple times that he would "shoot" Haye and claimed Haye "glassed" him. Haye's former manager Adam Booth emerged from the fracas with a facial wound and Chisora suggested to Booth that Haye hit him with a bottle by mistake while Booth insisted it was one of Chisora's entourage that had hit him with a bottle. During an interview at the Haye vs. Chisora press conference, Booth was asked "how did you end up with a cut on your head?" to which he replied "David hit me with a tripod" but also added "he bought me a new S-Class Mercedes as an apology".[http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/chisora-brawls-with-david-haye-108469 Boxing News | Chisora brawls with David Haye] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120221195527/http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/chisora-brawls-with-david-haye-108469 |date=21 February 2012 }}. Fightnews (19 February 2012). Retrieved on 19 May 2012.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/boxing/17088322 BBC Sport – Dereck Chisora – David Haye brawl transcript]. Bbc.co.uk (19 February 2012). Retrieved on 19 May 2012.

On 8 May 2012, Haye and his promotion team announced that he would fight against Chisora at Boleyn Ground, Upton Park, London on 14 July 2012.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/boxing/Haye-to-fight-Chisora-at-West-Ham/articleshow/13053971.cms|title=Haye to fight Chisora at West Ham |access-date=8 May 2012 | work=The Times Of India}} The announcement caused controversy as neither held a British Boxing Licence, and so had agreed a licence deal with the Luxembourg Boxing Association. Seen as a direct attempt to undermine the British Boxing Board of Control, it meant that fights could take place in Britain even if a boxer was facing disciplinary action.

Haye won the fight with a fifth-round stoppage in front of over 40,000 spectators. Knocked to the floor in the fifth round, receiving a count of eight, Chisora recovered only to be floored again in the same round. Referee Luis Pabon decided Chisora was unable to continue, signalling the end of the contest.{{cite web|title=Haye triumphant at Boleyn |url=http://www.whufc.com/articles/20120714/haye-triumphant-at-boleyn_2236884_2849688 |publisher=www.whufc.com |date=14 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716074600/http://www.whufc.com/articles/20120714/haye-triumphant-at-boleyn_2236884_2849688 |archive-date=16 July 2012 }}

==Fury talks and fallout==

File:David haye wimble.jpg, 2014]]

Haye was due to fight Manuel Charr at Manchester Arena on 29 June 2013.{{cite web|title=David Haye to fight Manuel Charr at Manchester Arena in June |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/boxing/22332704|publisher=www.bbc.co.uk|date=28 April 2013}} However, the fight was called off because Haye had suffered an injury.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/22525512|title=David Haye pulls out of Manuel Charr bout through injury|date=2013-05-14|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2017-09-21|language=en-GB}} Haye later arranged a fight with Tyson Fury at the same venue on 28 September 2013. However, a week before the fight, Haye sustained a cut to the head which required several stitches, so yet again the fight was postponed. It was originally rescheduled for 8 February 2014.{{cite web|title=David Haye and Tyson Fury fight rescheduled for 8 February|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/boxing/24230702|publisher=bbc.co.uk|date=24 September 2013}} However Haye dropped out of the fight on 17 November 2013 after shoulder surgery. Fury, meanwhile, believed that Haye was making excuses because he didn't want the fight, with Fury himself saying "I'm absolutely furious but in all honesty this is exactly what I expected. Everyone knows I was very suspicious when he pulled out the first time and this confirms to me that he's always been afraid of me and never wanted this fight." Aside from training camp expenses, Haye also cost Fury his positions in the world rankings including an IBF final eliminator bout which would have made him mandatory for a shot at the world title.{{Cite web|url=http://en.espn.co.uk/boxing/sport/story/258495.html|title=Fury: 'Scared' Haye never wanted to face me|website=ESPN.co.uk|language=en-GB|access-date=20 April 2016}} Although doctors advised Haye to retire from boxing, he never officially announced his retirement.{{cite web|author=Mike Costello |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/boxing/24981216 |title=David Haye advised to retire after major shoulder surgery |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 September 2013 |access-date=11 August 2014}}

=Comeback=

In 2015, Haye switched trainers from Adam Booth to Shane McGuigan, son of former WBA featherweight champion Barry McGuigan.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/34907828|title=David Haye to fight Mark de Mori in heavyweight comeback|access-date=24 November 2015|date=24 November 2015}}

==Haye vs. de Mori==

On 24 November 2015, Haye and his new promotion and management team, Salter Brothers Entertainment, announced his comeback fight against WBA #10 ranked heavyweight Mark de Mori.{{Cite web|title = World Boxing Association Ranking {{!}} World Boxing Association|url = http://www.wbanews.com/wba-ranking|website = www.wbanews.com| date=22 December 2011 |access-date = 24 November 2015}} The fight took place on 16 January 2016 (marketed by Salter Brothers Entertainment as "Haye Day") at The O2 Arena in London, and was Haye's first fight in more than three years since stopping Chisora in 2012. Coming into the fight, Australian De Mori had lost only once in 33 career bouts and 26 of his 29 victories had come via KO, albeit against limited opposition. It was announced on 6 January 2016 that Haye and the Salter Brothers had struck a deal for the comeback fight to be shown on free-to-air entertainment channel Dave, the largest non-PSB broadcaster in the UK and the channel's first ever live sport broadcast. In a world's first, Salter Brothers Entertainment also partnered with YouTube to live-stream the event outside of the UK to a global audience for free.

Haye came in at the highest weight of his career, appearing to have gained a lot of muscle mass since the lay off. He employed much less movement than in previous fights and came forward methodically, knocking out de Mori in 113 seconds of the first round. The broadcast of the fight on Dave was the most successful show in the history of the channel after achieving an audience of over 3 million viewers, experiencing a higher share of the UK audience than Channel 4 and was only one per cent behind ITV.{{citation needed|date=January 2020}} The event was the first ever boxing match to be shot and streamed live in 360 and VR via partnership between Salter Brothers Entertainment and IM360.{{Cite web | url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/david-haye-vs-mark-di-mori-be-worlds-first-live-virtual-reality-boxing-match-1538041 |title = David Haye vs Mark di Mori to be world\'s first live virtual reality boxing match|date = 14 January 2016}} A large number of celebrities were in attendance; Sigma performed an opening concert and A-lister guests ringside included Benedict Cumberbatch and Idris Elba.

==Haye vs. Gjergjaj==

On 26 January 2016, Haye announced his next fight, (marketed as "Haye Day 2") would take place on 21 May 2016 at The O2 in London in Haye's pursuit of reclaiming and unifying the heavyweight world titles. His opponent was the little known Swiss fighter Arnold Gjergjaj. During the press conference announcing the fight, Shannon Briggs confronted Haye calling him out. Haye did not agree to fight Briggs immediately but instead offered him the chance to fight on his undercard, promising that he would fight him next if he was victorious. Briggs agreed to this arrangement and stopped Emilio Ezequiel Zarate in the first round.{{Cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/10223046/david-haye-called-out-by-shannon-briggs-at-press-conference|title=David Haye called out by Shannon Briggs at press conference|date=30 March 2016}}

Haye floored Gjergjaj with a right hand inside the first 30 seconds of the fight, and then proceeded drop him again with a left jab and a third time with a chopping right in the second round before the fight was waved off by the referee.{{cite web|last1=Dirs|first1=Ben|title=David Haye knocks out Arnold Gjergjaj to set up Shannon Briggs clash|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/36351941|website=BBC Sport|access-date=22 May 2016|date=21 May 2016}} For a second time Haye used free-to-air channel Dave to broadcast the fight, but this time it was promoted by Haye himself with Hayemaker Promotions and not by Salter Brothers Entertainment. The fight peaked at 2.5 million viewers. The fight was also a success on social media platforms Facebook and Twitter as #HayeDay overtook the #FACupFinal to become the UK top trend.{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/haye-vs-gjergjaj-peaked-25-million-viewers-channel-dave--105061|title=Haye vs. Gjergjaj Peaked at 2.5 Million Viewers For Channel Dave - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=27 May 2016 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-07-12}}

Despite winning on the undercard, a fight between Briggs and Haye didn't materialize. Briggs continued to call out Haye, asking him to honour his end of the agreement. Briggs also chased Haye down in Brooklyn when both were in attendance for the Frampton vs. Santa Cruz fight.{{Cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/10564462/shannon-briggs-says-soft-david-haye-is-making-excuses-to-avoid-him|title=Shannon Briggs says 'soft' David Haye is making excuses to avoid him|date=4 September 2016|access-date=27 December 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/10518607/watch-shannon-briggs-chases-after-david-haye-in-brooklyn|title=WATCH: Shannon Briggs chases after David Haye in Brooklyn|work=Sky Sports |date=31 July 2016|access-date=27 December 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/10632164/shannon-briggs-claims-david-haye-backed-out-of-a-fight-this-year|title=Shannon Briggs claims David Haye backed out of a fight this year|work=Sky Sports |date=26 October 2016|access-date=27 December 2016}} In October, Haye spoke out about the fight not taking place due to the fact that Briggs wanted the fight to be on ppv, "Because the fight can't happen on pay-per-view ... I like people thinking I'm running from him and ducking him because when I do get in the ring with him, which I really think I will do, I think it will make it a bigger fight. But at the moment the fight can't happen because he will only fight me if the fight is on pay-per-view. I would fight him on [UK terrestrial channel] DAVE, but he doesn't want to do that."{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxing247.com/boxing-news/david-haye-shannon-briggs-2/63274|title=David Haye explains why he's not fighting Shannon Briggs…..yet|date=14 October 2016|access-date=27 December 2016}}

==Haye vs. Bellew==

{{Main|David Haye vs. Tony Bellew}}

Following his win over BJ Flores in October, WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew immediately hit out a verbal assault on rival Haye, who was ringside, repeating he's next. Referring to Haye as 'Sideshow Bob', Bellew carried on the verbal assault in the post-fight interview using profanity and taunting Haye, stating he has been 'conning the British public' since he announced his comeback. Bellew's promoter, Eddie Hearn, claimed the fight could take place at heavyweight or at cruiserweight for Bellew's WBC title.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/37669398|title=Tony Bellew defends WBC world cruiserweight title by stopping BJ Flores|date=2016-10-15|newspaper=BBC Sport|language=en-GB|access-date=2016-10-16}} On 25 November 2016, Hearn announced on Twitter that Haye and Bellew would face each other in a heavyweight bout on 4 March 2017 at The O2 Arena, London. The fight was shown on Sky Box Office and was Bellew's first heavyweight fight.{{Cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/10671658/haye-bellew-on-box-office|title=David Haye and Tony Bellew will face each other in a huge domestic clash on Sky Sports Box Office|work=Sky Sports }}{{Cite web|url=http://www.worldboxingnews.net/2016/11/25/news/david-haye-v-tony-bellew-set-for-march-4-in-london-at-heavyweight|title=David Haye v Tony Bellew set for March 4 in London at heavyweight|date=25 November 2016|access-date=25 November 2016|archive-date=26 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126003954/http://www.worldboxingnews.net/2016/11/25/news/david-haye-v-tony-bellew-set-for-march-4-in-london-at-heavyweight|url-status=dead}}

At the first press conference on 30 November, a fight broke out as Haye and Bellew went face to face and it appeared on the replay that Haye had managed to land a left hook on Bellew, leaving a mark. Both fighters were then separated before going their own ways.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ringtv.com/475425-david-haye-tony-bellew-press-conference-erupts/|title=DAVID HAYE-TONY BELLEW PRESS CONFERENCE ERUPTS|date=30 November 2016|website=The Ring|access-date=30 November 2016}} On 3 March 2017, Haye weighed 224.9 pounds, heavier than Bellew who came in at 213lbs, a career high.{{Cite news|url=http://www.ringtv.com/487289-weigh-alert-haye-224-9-bellew-213-8/|title=Weigh-in alert: Haye 224.9, Bellew 213.8 - The Ring|date=2017-03-03|work=The Ring|access-date=2017-03-03|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingnewsonline.net/david-haye-and-tony-bellew-weigh-in/|title=David Haye and Tony Bellew weigh in - Boxing News|date=2017-03-03|work=Boxing News|access-date=2017-03-03|language=en-US}}

After months of trash talk back and forth the two met in the ring. The bout started as a stalemate until the sixth round, when Haye injured his achilles tendon, causing him to fall twice. Bellew then took control of the fight as Haye opted to continue. Bellew knocked Haye down and out of the ropes late in the eleventh round. Haye managed to make it to his feet, but his corner threw in the towel, giving Bellew a TKO win. Bellew credited Haye for his bravery, while Haye refused to blame his injury and stated that Bellew was "by far the better fighter", though stated that he wanted a rematch.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/39170236|title=Tony Bellew beats David Haye with 11th-round stoppage|last=Reddy|first=Luke|date=2017-03-05|website=BBC Sport|access-date=2017-03-05}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/tony-bellew-drops-stops-david-haye-massive-upset-results--114239|title=Tony Bellew Drops, Stops David Haye in MASSIVE Upset - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=4 March 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-03-06}} Haye was taken to the hospital following the bout but was released the next morning. It was revealed that Haye had ruptured his right achilles tendon and underwent surgery.{{Cite web|url=http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BOX_HAYE_BELLEW?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2017-03-04-18-40-02|title=News from The Associated Press|website=hosted.ap.org|access-date=2017-03-06|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305003840/http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BOX_HAYE_BELLEW?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2017-03-04-18-40-02|archive-date=5 March 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/03/05/david-haye-taken-to-hospital-after-leg-injury-in-loss-against-tony-bellew-6488931/|title=David Haye taken to hospital immediately after brutal fight against Tony Bellew|first=Coral|last=Barry|date=2017-03-05|website=Metro|access-date=2017-03-06}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/boxing/david-haye-spent-two-hours-9973500|title=Details emerge of Haye's dramatic ambulance ride to hospital after Bellew defeat|last=Lawless|first=Matt|date=2017-03-06|work=mirror|access-date=2017-03-06}} At the time of stoppage, Bellew led on all three scorecards 96–93. With a 60–40 split of the £7 million purse, Haye earned £4.2 million while Bellew earned £2.8 million, his biggest purse by far.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/boxing/david-haye-pocket-14m-more-9973518|title=David Haye's purse revealed after defeat by Tony Bellew|last=Domin|first=Martin|date=2017-03-06|work=mirror|access-date=2017-03-06}} It was reported that the fight generated 890,000 buys on Sky Sports Box Office.{{Cite web|url=http://www.givemesport.com/1038905-anthony-joshua-to-receive-substantial-payday-for-wladimir-klitschko-fight|title=The staggering amount Joshua will pocket from Klitschko fight [Sun]|date=2017-04-26|website=GiveMeSport|access-date=2017-04-26}}

Despite the loss, Haye was widely praised for his performance in fighting on whilst severely injured. As Kevin Mitchell of The Guardian newspaper summed up of the fight:

Haye, staggering around the ring like a Saturday night drunk, went down swinging, his right ankle strapped in the ninth then unstrapped, his aged body sagging under every assault.....Even when thrashed through the ropes at the end, Haye clambered back and was willing to continue.... It will not seem so to him as he contemplates the fading of his days, but this was Haye's finest night."{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/mar/05/tony-bellew-david-haye-boxing|title=Tony Bellew contemplates rich future after shock win over David Haye|last=Mitchell|first=Kevin|date=2017-03-05|work=the guardian|access-date=2017-03-05}}

==Change of trainer==

On 3 June 2017 Haye and McGuigan both announced that they would no longer work together. It was said that they had reached a mutual agreement and parted on good terms. Some rumours indicated that McGuigan had urged Haye to retire, which eventually caused the split.{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/10903021/david-haye-and-trainer-shane-mcguigan-split-after-tony-bellew-defeat|title=David Haye and trainer Shane McGuigan split after Tony Bellew defeat|work=Sky Sports|access-date=2017-06-05|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/40143831|title=David Haye splits with trainer Shane McGuigan|date=2017-06-03|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2017-06-05|language=en-GB}} On 6 July, Haye announced that he had hired Cuban Ismael Salas as his new trainer. Salas, known for working with Jorge Linares, Guillermo Rigondeaux and Nonito Donaire, stated that he believed he could lead Haye to another world title reign.{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/10939236/david-haye-names-ismael-salas-as-his-new-trainer|title=David Haye names Ismael Salas as his new trainer|work=Sky Sports|access-date=2017-07-06|language=en}}

==Haye vs. Bellew II==

{{Main|Tony Bellew vs. David Haye II}}

On 12 July 2017, Haye confirmed that he had begun strengthening his ankle and he would slowly start training for his next fight which would likely take place in December 2017.{{Cite web|url=http://metro.co.uk/2017/07/12/heavyweight-david-haye-insists-he-will-return-to-ring-in-december-6773374/|title=David Haye reveals return date but has yet to find opponent|first=Coral|last=Barry|date=2017-07-12|website=Metro|access-date=2017-07-12}} On 24 July, negotiations had begun for a rematch between Haye and Bellew to take place in December 2017, although they were far from an agreement. Bellew made Haye an offer of his preferred purse, which would reportedly make the rematch worth around £20 million.{{Cite web|url=http://www.worldboxingnews.net/2017/07/25/news/tony-bellew-v-david-haye-ii-on-the-the-agenda-for-december|title=Tony Bellew v David Haye II on the agenda for December|website=World Boxing News|access-date=2017-07-25|date=25 July 2017}} On 3 August, Hearn stated a rematch between Bellew and Haye was 'virtually dead', due to both fighters believing they are the A-side and have the right to demand ring walks, poster position, changing rooms and split of purse.{{Cite web|url=http://www.boxingscene.com/hearn-bellew-haye-ii-virtually-dead-impossible-reach-deal--119127|title=Hearn: Bellew-Haye II is Virtually Dead, Impossible To Reach Deal - Boxing News|website=www.boxingscene.com|date=3 August 2017 |language=en-us|access-date=2017-08-05}} On 6 September, Hearn stated a deal could be made within seven days.{{Cite web|url=http://www.worldboxingnews.net/2017/09/06/news/bellew-v-haye-ii-on-the-horizon-heading-for-december-date|title=Bellew v Haye II on the horizon, heading for December date|website=World Boxing News|access-date=2017-09-06|date=6 September 2017 |last1=Haye |first1=Bellew v. }} According to Bellew's trainer, David Coldwell, both Haye and Bellew had held positive talks and looking more likely to agree to a fight, as long they stay on the same page and agree to the same terms.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/20615876/tony-bellew-david-haye-holding-positive-talks-rematch|title=Bellew and Haye hold 'positive talks' over rematch|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-09-07}} On 19 September, Haye agreed all the terms and tweeted Bellew to sign the contract. He said, "It's taken months of negotiating but teams have finally agreed all terms for Haye-Bellew 2. Will Bellew put pen to paper?" The fight was reported to take place on Sunday 17 December 2017.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/41318521|title=David Haye and Tony Bellew set for heavyweight rematch|date=2017-09-19|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2017-09-20|language=en-GB}} Hearn stated the fight was not a done deal, but he had hoped to confirm the fight within a week.{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/11043158/haye-vs-bellew-eddie-hearn-says-nothing-is-signed-yet-for-the-rematch-between-tony-bellew-and-david-haye|title=Haye vs Bellew: Eddie Hearn says nothing is signed yet for the rematch between Tony Bellew and David Haye|work=Sky Sports|access-date=2017-09-20|language=en}} Bellew replied the following day, tweeting, "I OBLIGE YOU @mrdavidhaye , happy? Now leave me alone with my family please. I'll see you soon enough!"{{Cite news|url=http://www.worldboxingnews.net/2017/09/20/news/tony-bellew-accepts-david-haye-rematch|title=Tony Bellew accepts David Haye rematch|work=World Boxing News|access-date=2017-09-20|language=en-gb|archive-date=23 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923212937/http://www.worldboxingnews.net/2017/09/20/news/tony-bellew-accepts-david-haye-rematch|url-status=dead}} The fight was officially confirmed on 29 September for the fight to take place at The O2 Arena in London. Bellew claimed the rematch wasn't personal anymore, just business and hoping to dedicate a win to his late brother-in-law, who had died in August. Haye stated that Bellew wouldn't win the lottery twice. Like the first fight, it was scheduled to be shown live on Sky Sports Box Office.{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/20857642/david-haye-vs-tony-bellew-rematch-o2-arena-december|title=Haye vs. Bellew rematch set for December|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-09-29}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/11057767/bellew-vs-haye-ii-rematch-between-tony-bellew-and-david-haye-to-be-shown-live-on-sky-sports-box-office|title=Bellew vs Haye II: Rematch between Tony Bellew and David Haye to be shown live on Sky Sports Box Office|work=Sky Sports|access-date=2017-09-29|language=en}}

On 20 November, it was reported that Haye had injured his arm and forced to pull out of the fight. In a statement, Haye said, "I am devastated to announce my much-anticipated rematch against Tony Bellew has been postponed until March 24 or May 5, subject to scheduling." It was believed that the injury occurred during a stair conditioning session. Bellew was said to be disappointed with Haye's announcement, but stated he may take an interim bout.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/42056678|title=David Haye v Tony Bellew: Rematch postponed after Haye's 'freak' accident|date=2017-11-20|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2017-11-21|language=en-GB}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/21488748/injured-david-haye-withdraws-rematch-tony-bellew|title=Injured Haye withdraws from Bellew rematch|work=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-11-21}} The fight was rescheduled for 5 May 2018.{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/11157436/tony-bellews-rematch-with-david-haye-rescheduled-at-the-o2-on-may-5-live-on-sky-sports-box-office|title=Tony Bellew's rematch with David Haye rescheduled at The O2 on May 5, live on Sky Sports Box Office|work=Sky Sports|access-date=2017-12-05|language=en}} Haye weighed 220.2 pounds, 4 pounds lighter than the first fight. Bellew also came in lighter at 210.4 pounds.{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/tony-bellew-lighter-david-haye-rematch-weigh--127821|title=Tony Bellew Lighter Than David Haye At Rematch Weigh-In|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-05-04|language=en-us}}

Bellew knocked Haye down three times, eventually winning the fight via TKO in round five. Haye started the opening two rounds using his jab, leaving a mark around Bellew's right eye. As round three started, both boxers started getting closer and unloading power shots. As Haye started to step backwards around the ring, Bellew landed clean, dropping Haye. At this point it appeared Haye may have injured his ankle, with the Sky commentary team mentioning this, as well as the post-fight interviewer. Haye later denied he was injured. Bellew then dropped Haye again with a hard combination. Bellew came out cautiously in round four, still wary of Haye's power. In round five, both fighters traded punches, but it was a left hook from Bellew that dropped Haye for a third time. Haye managed to beat the count again, not long before Bellew started unloading a barrage of punches. With Haye against the ropes, referee Howard Foster stepped in at 2 minutes, 14 seconds, giving Bellew his second stoppage win over Haye.{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/tony-bellew-drops-david-haye-three-times-stops-him-results--127870|title=Tony Bellew Drops David Haye Three Times, Stops Him in Fifth|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-05-07|language=en-us}} Immediately after the fight Haye congratulated Bellew on the win. Haye stated he would review the tapes and see what went wrong.{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12040/11360806/bellew-vs-haye-2-tony-bellew-stops-david-haye-in-fifth-round-at-the-o2|title=Bellew vs Haye 2: Tony Bellew stops David Haye in fifth round at The O2|work=Sky Sports|access-date=2018-05-07|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/haye-ill-review-fight-then-decide-on-career--127894|title=Haye: I'll Have To Review The Fight, Then Decide on Career|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-05-08|language=en-us}} According to CompuBox Stats, Haye landed 42 of 189 punches thrown (22%), only 6 being power punches and Bellew landed 70 of his 219 thrown (32%), with 34 being power punches.{{Cite news|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/bellew-vs-haye-rematch-compubox-punch-stats--127891|title=Bellew vs. Haye Rematch - CompuBox Punch Stats|work=BoxingScene.com|access-date=2018-05-08|language=en-us}} Both boxers earned a minimum purse of £2.5 million for the fight, which would likely increase based on TV revenue and PPV shares.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/boxing/2018/05/05/david-haye-vs-tony-bellew-prize-money-much-fight-purse-will/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/boxing/2018/05/05/david-haye-vs-tony-bellew-prize-money-much-fight-purse-will/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=David Haye vs Tony Bellew prize money: how much of the fight purse will the winner receive?|date=2018-05-05|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2018-05-08|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}

= Final retirement =

On 12 June 2018, Haye released a statement via social media announcing his retirement.{{Cite news|url=https://news.sky.com/story/david-haye-announces-retirement-after-rematch-defeat-by-tony-bellew-11402467|title=David Haye announces retirement after rematch defeat by Tony Bellew|work=Sky News|access-date=2018-07-24|language=en-GB}} In the statement, Haye spoke about his career from start to finish, all the injuries he suffered, rehab and also revealed he had spinal surgery in March 2015.{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/11402260/david-haye-announces-retirement-from-boxing-after-rematch-defeat-by-tony-bellew|title=David Haye announces retirement from boxing after rematch defeat by Tony Bellew|work=Sky Sports|access-date=2018-07-24|language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/44455690|title=David Haye: Former world heavyweight champion retires from boxing|date=2018-06-12|work=BBC Sport|access-date=2018-07-24|language=en-GB}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.hayemaker.com/|title=NEWS|website=Hayemaker|language=en-US|access-date=2018-07-24|archive-date=9 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209084426/https://www.hayemaker.com/|url-status=dead}}

Exhibition bout

= Haye vs. Fournier =

In August 2021, Haye announced that he would be making a one-fight comeback on 11 September 2021 in a bout against his friend, businessman Joe Fournier, on the undercard of the Triller pay-per-view bout between Oscar De La Hoya and Vitor Belfort at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.{{Cite news|title=Haye returns three years after retiring|language=en-GB|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/58183582|access-date=2021-08-27}} Haye explained in a statement on his website: "This whole fight between us came into existence when at dinner with a group in Mykonos we were asked who would win in a fight between us." He detailed that he was unhappy with Fournier being "deadly serious stating he would win in a fight today", and confirmed that he "remain[s] happily retired from boxing, with no intentions to make a traditional comeback to challenge the monsters of the division but am fit and ready to prove my point against my overconfident billionaire buddy."{{Cite web|title=NEWS|url=https://www.hayemaker.com/news|access-date=2021-08-27|website=Hayemaker|language=en-US}} Haye asserted that he will receive a larger payday from his bout with Fournier than his first Sky Sports Box Office bout against Tony Bellew in 2017, calling it "crazy dough".{{Cite web|date=2021-08-17|title=David Haye reveals payday for return vs Fournier will be more than Bellew PPV|url=https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/928801/david-haye-payday-joe-fournier-tony-bellew/|access-date=2021-08-27|website=talkSPORT|language=en-US}}

On 31 August, it emerged that the fight would be classified as an exhibition bout due to a ruling by the California State Athletic Commission, thus the result of the fight would have no bearing on Haye or Fournier's professional records.{{Cite web|title=David Haye's comeback fight against Joe Fournier now an exhibition fight {{!}} DAZN News UK|url=https://www.dazn.com/en-GB/news/boxing/david-hayes-comeback-fight-against-joe-fournier-now-an-exhibition-fight/1flfsams3l4mt1f4i14yufo3hi|access-date=2021-09-05|website=DAZN|date=31 August 2021 |language=en}} On the night, Haye easily outboxed Fournier over 8 rounds, and knocked him down once, to earn a unanimous decision victory with scores of 79–72, 80–71 and 79–72. In his post-fight interview, he called out undefeated WBC and The Ring heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.{{Cite web|title=David Haye Drops, Easily Boxes Past Joe Fournier For Decision Win|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/david-haye-joe-fournier-decision-win-results--160506|access-date=2021-09-11|website=BoxingScene.com|date=11 September 2021 |language=en-us}}

Promotional career

File:George Groves, Adam Booth, David Haye - Wembley 2011-11-05.jpg (centre) and George Groves, 2011. Haye promoted Groves from 2008 to 2009.]]

On 20 January 2017, Haye announced he would combine his Hayemaker promotions with Richard Schaefer's Ringstar Sport to create Hayemaker Ringstar, which would be based in the UK and rival Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Sport and Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions. They would also promote shows in the US. Shaefer stated in a press release that he had intended to promote in the UK for some years and spoke of his excitement to be in partnership with Haye.{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingnewsonline.net/david-haye-forms-promotional-company-with-richard-schaefer/|title=David Haye forms promotional company with Richard Schaefer - Boxing News|date=2017-01-20|newspaper=Boxing News|language=en-US|access-date=2017-01-21}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/18522032/richard-schaefer-teams-haye-promotional-alliance|title=Schaefer, Haye pair up for promotional alliance|newspaper=ESPN.com|access-date=2017-01-21}}

At an official press conference on 12 July 2017, Hayemaker Ringstar announced they had agreed a TV rights deal with the biggest multichannel broadcaster in the UK, UKTV, for entertainment channel Dave. The deal would be for 3 years which would show five fight nights per year. Hayemaker Ringstar also introduced its latest signings, Olympics silver medalist, heavyweight Joe Joyce, Olympian Qais Ashfaq, European champion Willy Hutchinson and former 10-time world kickboxing champion Michael 'Venom' Page.{{Cite web|url=http://www.itv.com/news/calendar/update/2017-07-12/leeds-boxer-turns-pro-with-david-hayes-hayemaker-boxing-promotions/|title=Leeds boxer turns pro with David Haye's Hayemaker Boxing Promotions|date=12 July 2017|website=ITV|access-date=12 July 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/boxing/david-haye-tv-dave-joyce-10781462|title=David Haye announces mega free-to-air TV deal with Dave|last=Rathborn|first=Jack|date=2017-07-12|work=mirror|access-date=2017-07-12}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.worldboxingnews.net/2017/07/12/news/david-haye-confirms-dave-deal-signs-joe-joyce-qais-ashfaq-willy-hutchinson-and-michael-page|title=David Haye confirms Dave deal, signs Joe Joyce, Qais Ashfaq, Willy Hutchinson and Michael Page|website=World Boxing News|access-date=2017-07-12|date=12 July 2017|archive-date=12 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712133844/http://www.worldboxingnews.net/2017/07/12/news/david-haye-confirms-dave-deal-signs-joe-joyce-qais-ashfaq-willy-hutchinson-and-michael-page|url-status=dead}}

On 6 September 2017, an official announcement was made for the first boxing event which would take place at Indigo, The O2 Arena in London on 20 October 2017. Haye confirmed that Joe Joyce would headline the card, making his debut against experienced former WBO Asia Pacific champion Ian Lewison (12–3, 8 KOs).{{Cite news|url=http://www.boxingnews24.com/2017/09/hayemaker-ringstar-announces-inaugural-fight/|title=Hayemaker Ringstar announces inaugural fight » Boxing News|date=2017-09-06|work=Boxing News 24|access-date=2017-09-06|language=en-US|archive-date=6 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906180456/http://www.boxingnews24.com/2017/09/hayemaker-ringstar-announces-inaugural-fight/|url-status=dead}}

Media career

Haye created his own documentary reality show, David Haye versus, under his production company Hayemaker Productions, which was broadcast on Sky 1 from 28 to 29 June 2011. It featured him training and in conversation with Ricky Gervais, Justin Bieber, Michael McIntyre, Dizzee Rascal and Mickey Rourke.

In November 2012, he took part in the twelfth series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, in which he finished third.{{Cite web|last=Laing|first=Greg|date=2012-11-30|title=David Haye leaves 'I'm a Celebrity'|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a442214/david-haye-comes-third-on-im-a-celebrity-get-me-out-of-here/|access-date=2021-09-09|website=Digital Spy|language=en-GB}}

class="wikitable"

|+Television

!Year

!Title

!Role

!Notes

2010

|The Graham Norton Show

|Guest

|Season 8, Episode 5

2018

|The Big Narstie Show

|Guest

|Season 1, Episode 5

2018

|Peng Life

|Self

|Season 1, Episode 3

Personal life

Haye lives in the Beckenham area of London.ITV News, 21 February 2012 He married make-up artist Natasha in 2008, with whom he has a son named Cassius (named after Cassius Clay). After eight years of marriage, they divorced in 2016.{{Cite web|date=2016-08-23|title=David Haye and wife Natasha 'granted 30-second divorce'|url=https://metro.co.uk/2016/08/23/david-haye-and-wife-natasha-granted-30-second-divorce-after-she-accuses-him-of-unreasonable-behaviour-6085821/|access-date=2020-11-14|website=Metro|language=en}}

Haye is a fan of Millwall FC.{{cite web

| last = Coles

| first = Bill

| title =David V Goliath

| publisher =Express.co.uk

| date =7 November 2009

| url =http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/138754/David-v-Goliath

| access-date = 21 May 2010 }} In addition to being a native British citizen, he gained Northern Cypriot citizenship in 2010, but later relinquished it.{{cite web|url=http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/35/news/39539/PageName/KIBRIS_HABERLERI|language=tr|title=David Haye KKTC wore shorts, took citizenship}} His training camp was based in Ozanköy from 2005 until his split with trainer Adam Booth, and his former training site now serves as an amateur boxing gym. He sometimes wore the Northern Cypriot flag on his shorts alongside the English, United Kingdom, and Jamaican flags.

Haye became a vegan in 2014, stating, "I watched a TV documentary about how animals are farmed, killed and prepared for us to eat. I saw all those cows and pigs and realised I couldn't be a part of it any more. It was horrible. I did some research to make sure I could still obtain enough protein to fight and, once satisfied that I could, I stopped. I'll never go back."{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/david-haye-interview-i-lied-ive-let-people-down-9497558.html|title=David Haye interview: 'I lied. I've let people down' |date=5 June 2014|work=The Independent}} He launched his own range of vegan protein powder later that year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.joe.co.uk/fitness-health/the-diet-that-got-david-haye-back-in-heavyweight-title-chasing-shape-is-not-what-youd-expect-62107|title=The diet that got David Haye back shredded to chase the heavyweight title is not what you'd expect|date=24 May 2016 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.riseofthevegan.com/blog/david-haye-world-heavyweight-champion-boxer-explains-why-he-went-vegan|title = David Haye (World Heavyweight Champion Boxer) explains why he went vegan (Video)|date = 18 May 2016}} In 2016, he appeared in a promotional video by PETA called David Haye: Vegan for Animals.Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/_YXBezn89cs Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20170406061706/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YXBezn89cs Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YXBezn89cs| title = David Haye: Vegan for Animals | website=YouTube| date = 18 May 2016 }}{{cbignore}}

Honours

Haye was selected for the final 10 shortlist for the 2010 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award{{cite news |title=Sports Personality of the Year 2010: David Haye |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sports_personality_of_the_year/9216834.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|date=29 November 2010 |access-date=16 December 2010 }} for his performances against John Ruiz and Audley Harrison.

Professional boxing record

{{BoxingRecordSummary

|ko-wins=26

|ko-losses=3

|dec-wins=2

|dec-losses=1

}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{{abbr|No.|Number}}

!Result

!Record

!Opponent

!Type

!Round, time

!Date

!Location

!Notes

32

|{{no2}}Loss

|28–4

|style="text-align:left;"|Tony Bellew

|TKO

|5 (12), {{small| 2:14}}

|5 May 2018

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The O2 Arena, London, England}}

|

31

|{{no2}}Loss

|28–3

|style="text-align:left;"|Tony Bellew

|TKO

|11 (12), {{small|2:16}}

|4 Mar 2017

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The O2 Arena, London, England}}

|

30

|{{yes2}}Win

|28–2

|style="text-align:left;"|Arnold Gjergjaj

|TKO

|2 (10), {{small|1:35}}

|21 May 2016

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The O2 Arena, London, England}}

|

29

|{{yes2}}Win

|27–2

|style="text-align:left;"|Mark de Mori

|TKO

|1 (10), {{small|2:11}}

|16 Jan 2016

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The O2 Arena, London, England}}

|

28

|{{yes2}}Win

|26–2

|style="text-align:left;"|Derek Chisora

|TKO

|5 (10), {{small|2:51}}

|14 Jul 2012

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Boleyn Ground, London, England}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won vacant WBA Inter-Continental and WBO International heavyweight titles}}

27

|{{no2}}Loss

|25–2

|style="text-align:left;"|Wladimir Klitschko

|UD

|12

|2 Jul 2011

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Imtech Arena, Hamburg, Germany}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost WBA heavyweight title;
For IBF, WBO, IBO, and The Ring heavyweight titles}}

26

|{{yes2}}Win

|25–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Audley Harrison

|TKO

|3 (12), {{small|1:53}}

|13 Nov 2010

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|MEN Arena, Manchester, England}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA heavyweight title}}

25

|{{yes2}}Win

|24–1

|style="text-align:left;"|John Ruiz

|TKO

|9 (12), {{small|2:01}}

|3 Apr 2010

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|MEN Arena, Manchester, England}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA heavyweight title}}

24

|{{yes2}}Win

|23–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Nikolai Valuev

|{{abbr|MD|Majority decision}}

|12

|7 Nov 2009

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Nuremberg Arena, Nuremberg, Germany}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won WBA heavyweight title}}

23

|{{yes2}}Win

|22–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Monte Barrett

|TKO

|5 (10), {{small|1:28}}

|15 Nov 2008

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The O2 Arena, London, England}}

|

22

|{{yes2}}Win

|21–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Enzo Maccarinelli

|TKO

|2 (12), {{small|2:04}}

|8 Mar 2008

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|The O2 Arena, London, England}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained WBA (Undisputed), WBC, and The Ring cruiserweight titles;
Won WBO cruiserweight title}}

21

|{{yes2}}Win

|20–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Jean-Marc Mormeck

|TKO

|7 (12), {{small|1:54}}

|10 Nov 2007

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Palais des sports Marcel-Cerdan, Paris, France}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won WBA (Unified), WBC, and The Ring cruiserweight titles}}

20

|{{yes2}}Win

|19–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Tomasz Bonin

|TKO

|1 (12), {{small|1:45}}

|27 Apr 2007

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Wembley Arena, London, England}}

|

19

|{{yes2}}Win

|18–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Giacobbe Fragomeni

|TKO

|9 (12), {{small|1:29}}

|17 Nov 2006

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|York Hall, London, England}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained European cruiserweight title}}

18

|{{yes2}}Win

|17–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Ismail Abdoul

|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}}

|12

|21 Jul 2006

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Leisure Centre, Altrincham, England}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained European cruiserweight title}}

17

|{{yes2}}Win

|16–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Lasse Johansen

|TKO

|8 (12), {{small|2:08}}

|24 Mar 2006

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|York Hall, London, England}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained European cruiserweight title}}

16

|{{yes2}}Win

|15–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Alexander Gurov

|KO

|1 (12), {{small|0:45}}

|16 Dec 2005

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Leisure Centre, Bracknell, England}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won European cruiserweight title}}

15

|{{yes2}}Win

|14–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Vincenzo Rossitto

|TKO

|2 (10), {{small|2:55}}

|14 Oct 2005

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Leisure Centre, Huddersfield, England}}

|

14

|{{yes2}}Win

|13–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Glen Kelly

|TKO

|2 (10), {{small|1:09}}

|4 Mar 2005

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Magna Science Adventure Centre, Rotherham, England}}

|

13

|{{yes2}}Win

|12–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Garry Delaney

|RTD

|3 (6), {{small|3:00}}

|21 Jan 2005

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, London, England}}

|

12

|{{yes2}}Win

|11–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Valeri Semiskur

|KO

|1 (6), {{small|1:36}}

|10 Dec 2004

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Hillsborough Leisure Centre, Sheffield, England}}

|

11

|{{no2}}Loss

|10–1

|style="text-align:left;"|Carl Thompson

|TKO

|5 (12), {{small|2:53}}

|10 Sep 2004

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Wembley Arena, London, England}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For IBO cruiserweight title}}

10

|{{yes2}}Win

|10–0

|style="text-align:left;"|Arthur Williams

|TKO

|3 (8), {{small|2:46}}

|12 May 2004

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Rivermead Leisure Centre, Reading, England}}

|

9

|{{yes2}}Win

|9–0

|style="text-align:left;"|Hastings Rasani

|TKO

|1 (6), {{small|2:17}}

|20 Mar 2004

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Wembley Arena, London, England}}

|

8

|{{yes2}}Win

|8–0

|style="text-align:left;"|Tony Dowling

|TKO

|1 (10), {{small|1:35}}

|14 Nov 2003

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|York Hall, London, England}}

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won English cruiserweight title}}

7

|{{yes2}}Win

|7–0

|style="text-align:left;"|Lolenga Mock

|TKO

|4 (6), {{small|2:30}}

|26 Sep 2003

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Rivermead Leisure Centre, Reading, England}}

|

6

|{{yes2}}Win

|6–0

|style="text-align:left;"|Greg Scott-Briggs

|{{abbr|KO|Knockout}}

|1 (6), {{small|2:04}}

|1 Aug 2003

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|York Hall, London, England}}

|

5

|{{yes2}}Win

|5–0

|style="text-align:left;"|Vance Winn

|TKO

|1 (6), {{small|0:54}}

|15 Jul 2003

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Playboy Mansion, Beverly Hills, California, US}}

|

4

|{{yes2}}Win

|4–0

|style="text-align:left;"|Phil Day

|TKO

|2 (4), {{small|2:09}}

|18 Mar 2003

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Rivermead Leisure Centre, Reading, England}}

|

3

|{{yes2}}Win

|3–0

|style="text-align:left;"|Roger Bowden

|TKO

|1 (6), {{small|2:42}}

|4 Mar 2003

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Seville Hotel, Miami, Florida, US}}

|

2

|{{yes2}}Win

|2–0

|style="text-align:left;"|Saber Zairi

|{{abbr|TKO|Technical knockout}}

|4 (4), {{small|0:54}}

|24 Jan 2003

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Ponds Forge, Sheffield, England}}

|

1

|{{yes2}}Win

|1–0

|style="text-align:left;"|Tony Booth

|{{abbr|RTD|Corner retirement}}

|2 (4), {{small|3:00}}

|8 Dec 2002

|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|York Hall, London, England}}

|

Exhibition boxing record

{{BoxingRecordSummary

|ko-wins=

|ko-losses=

|dec-wins=1

|dec-losses=

}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{{abbr|No.|Number}}

!Result

!Record

!Opponent

!Type

!Round, time

!Date

!Location

!Notes

1

|{{yes2}}Win

|1–0

| style="text-align:left;" |Joe Fournier

|{{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}}

|8

|11 Sep 2021

| style="text-align:left;" |{{small|Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida, US}}

|

Viewership

=International=

class="wikitable sortable"

! Date !! Fight !! Billing{{cite web |title=David Haye Fights in the Vault |url=https://eyeonthering.com/fighters/david-haye |website=Eye On The Ring |access-date=11 March 2020}}!! Region(s) !! Viewership ({{estimation}}) !! Source(s)

{{center|{{dts|2011|July|02|format=dmy}}}}

| Wladimir Klitschko vs. David Haye

|{{center|The Talk Ends Now[https://www.amazon.co.uk/Klitschko-REPRODUCTION-BOXING-PROMO-Poster/dp/B00CON01LE Klitschko VS HAYE REPRODUCTION BOXING PROMO PHOTO Poster 40 x 30 cm]}}

| Worldwide

| {{center|500,000,000}}

| {{cite magazine |url=https://www.focus.de/sport/mehrsport/brueder-gnadenlos-sport_id_2255037.html |title=Brüder Gnadenlos|issue=36|page=130|publication-date=5 September 2011|access-date=10 June 2022|magazine=Focus |language=de}}{{cite news |url=https://www.shz.de/sport/weitere-sportarten/artikel/zwei-brueder-fuenf-titel-500-millionen-tv-zuschauer-41159460|title=Zwei Brüder, fünf Titel, 500 Millionen TV-Zuschauer|date=4 July 2011|access-date=29 March 2023|publisher=Schleswig-Holsteinischer Zeitungsverlag|agency=Deutsche Presse-Agentur|language=de}}

! Total viewership

!

! Worldwide

! 500,000,000

!

=Germany=

class="wikitable sortable"

! Date !! Fight !! Billing !! Network !! Viewership ({{abbr|avg.|average}}) !! Source(s)

{{center|{{dts|2009|November|07|format=dmy}}}}

| Nikolai Valuev vs. David Haye

| {{center|David vs. Goliath}}

| Das Erste

| {{center|7,340,000}}

| {{cite news|url=https://www.quotenmeter.de/n/38328/boxen-im-ersten-punktet-gegen-mitternacht|title="Boxen im Ersten" punktet gegen Mitternacht

|date=8 November 2009|access-date=18 April 2023}}

{{dts|2010|November|13|format=dmy}}

| David Haye vs. Audley Harrison

| {{center|Best Of Enemies}}

| Das Erste

| {{center|4,170,000}}

| {{Cite web|url=https://www.dwdl.de/zahlenzentrale/28835/bundesliga__boxen_mit_starken_quoten_im_ersten/|title=Bundesliga & Boxen mit starken Quoten im Ersten|access-date=3 July 2020|language=de}}

{{center|{{dts|2011|July|02|format=dmy}}}}

| Wladimir Klitschko vs. David Haye

|{{center|The Talk Ends Now}}

| RTL Television

| {{center|15,560,000}}

| {{Cite web|url=https://www.boxen.de/news/karriereende-rtl-verabschiedet-quoten-koenig-klitschko-41068|title=Karriereende – RTL verabschiedet Quoten-König Klitschko|date=3 August 2017|access-date=7 December 2020|language=de|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126101937/https://www.boxen.de/news/karriereende-rtl-verabschiedet-quoten-koenig-klitschko-41068|url-status=dead}}

! Total viewership

!

!

! 27,070,000

!

=United Kingdom=

class="wikitable sortable"

! Date !! Fight !! Billing !! Network !! Viewership ({{abbr|avg.|average}}) !! Source(s)

{{center|{{dts|2016|January|16|format=dmy}}}}

| David Haye vs. Mark de Mori

| {{center|Haye vs. de Mori}}

| Dave

| {{center|1,350,000}}

| {{cite news|url=https://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-top-10/|title=Weekly top 10 programmes on TV sets (July 1998 – Sept 2018): 11–17 January 2016

|publisher=BARB|access-date=4 June 2025}}

{{center|{{dts|2016|May|21|format=dmy}}}}

| David Haye vs. Arnold Gjergjaj

| {{center|Haye vs. Gjergjaj}}

| Dave

| {{center|1,073,000}}

| {{cite news|url=https://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-top-10/|title=Weekly top 10 programmes on TV sets (July 1998 – Sept 2018): 16–22 May 2016

|publisher=BARB|access-date=4 June 2025}}

! Total viewership

!

!

! 2,423,000

!

==Pay-per-view bouts==

class="wikitable sortable"

! Date !! Fight !! Billing !! Network !! Pay-per-view buys !! Source

{{dts|2009|November|7|format=dmy}}

| Nikolai Valuev vs. David Haye

| {{center|David vs. Goliath}}

| Sky Box Office

| {{center|469,000}}

| {{cite news|last=Lalani|first=Zahid|title=Haye looks for heavyweight payday|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-13943609|work=BBC News|date=29 June 2011}}

{{dts|2010|April|3|format=dmy}}

| David Haye vs. John Ruiz

| {{center|Lord Of The Ring}}

| Sky Box Office

| {{center|253,000}}

| {{cite web|title=Weekly viewing summary (Sky Box Office Events buys between 29 March 2010 and 4 April 2010)|url=http://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-viewing-summary/|website=Broadcasters' Audience Research Board|access-date=4 May 2018}}

{{dts|2010|November|13|format=dmy}}

| David Haye vs. Audley Harrison

| {{center|Best Of Enemies}}

| Sky Box Office

| {{center|304,000}}

|

{{dts|2011|July|02|format=dmy}}

| Wladimir Klitschko vs. David Haye

|{{center|The Talk Ends Now}}

| Sky Box Office

| {{center|1,197,000}}

|{{cite web |title=Weekly viewing summary (Sky Box Office Events buys between 13-19 June 2011) |url=http://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-viewing-summary/ |website=Broadcasters' Audience Research Board|access-date=19 August 2023}}{{cite web |title=Weekly viewing summary (Sky Box Office Events buys between 20-26 June 2011) |url=http://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-viewing-summary/ |website=Broadcasters' Audience Research Board|access-date=8 September 2019}}{{cite web |title=Weekly viewing summary (Sky Box Office Events buys between 27 June-3 July 2011) |url=http://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-viewing-summary/ |website=Broadcasters' Audience Research Board|access-date=8 September 2019}}

{{dts|2017|March|4|format=dmy}}

| David Haye vs. Tony Bellew

| {{center|Grudge Match[http://www.kofightposters.com/boxing_memorabilia/display_item.php?id=1753#.XmoydqhKhPY DAVID HAYE vs. TONY BELLEW (SKY PPV Venue)]}}

| Sky Box Office

| {{center|1,515,000}}

| {{Cite news|url=https://www.givemesport.com/1038905-anthony-joshua-to-receive-substantial-payday-for-wladimir-klitschko-fight|title=The staggering amount Joshua will pocket from Klitschko fight [Sun]|date=2017-04-26|work=GiveMeSport|access-date=2018-05-12}}{{cite news |last1=Jay |first1=Phil |title=Joshua vs Klitschko UK PPV record |url=https://www.worldboxingnews.net/2020/01/05/joshua-klitschko-ppv-record-obliterated/ |access-date=10 January 2020 |work=World Boxing News |date=5 January 2020 |language=en}}

{{dts|2018|May|5|format=dmy}}

| Tony Bellew vs. David Haye II

| {{center|Repeat Or Revenge[https://www.proboxing.cz/haye-bellew-se-nakonec-utkaji-kvetnu/ Haye will meet Bellew again in May!]{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (cze.)}}

| Sky Box Office

| {{center|1,048,000}}

| {{cite web|title=Weekly viewing summary (Sky Box Office Events buys between 30 April 2018 and 6 May 2018)|url=http://www.barb.co.uk/viewing-data/weekly-viewing-summary/|website=Broadcasters' Audience Research Board|access-date=2 June 2018}}

! Total sales

!

! Sky Box Office

! 4,486,000

!

See also

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

{{Wikiquote}}

{{Commons category}}

  • {{Official website|http://www.hayemaker.com/}}
  • {{Boxrec|id=155774}}
  • [http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/haye-david.htm David Haye profile] at Cyber Boxing Zone

{{s-start-collapsible|header={{s-sports}} }}

{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=Regional boxing titles}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-non|reason=Inaugural champion}}

{{s-ttl|title=English cruiserweight champion

|years=14 November 2003 – September 2004
Vacated}}

{{s-vac|next=Dean Francis}}

{{s-bef|before=Alexander Gurov}}

{{s-ttl|title=European cruiserweight champion

|years=16 December 2005 – June 2007
Vacated}}

{{s-vac|next=Vincenzo Cantatore}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-vac|last=Robert Helenius}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBA Inter-Continental
heavyweight champion

|years=14 July 2012 – August 2014
Vacated}}

{{s-vac|next=Lucas Browne}}

{{s-new}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBO International
heavyweight champion

|years=14 July 2012 – July 2013
Vacated}}

{{s-vac|next=Derek Chisora}}

{{s-text|style=background:#C1D8FF; font-weight: bold;|text=World boxing titles}}

{{s-bef|rows=3|before=Jean-Marc Mormeck}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBA cruiserweight champion
Unified title

|years=10 November 2007 – 19 June 2008
{{small|Undisputed title in January–May 2008}}
Vacated}}

{{s-vac|next=Denis Lebedev}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBC cruiserweight champion

|years=10 November 2007 – 12 May 2008
Vacated}}

{{s-vac|next=Giacobbe Fragomeni}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-ttl|title=The Ring cruiserweight champion

|years=10 November 2007 – 30 June 2008
Vacated}}

{{s-vac|next=Tomasz Adamek}}

{{s-break}}

{{s-bef|before=Enzo Maccarinelli}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBO cruiserweight champion

|years=8 March 2008 – 14 July 2008
Vacated}}

{{s-vac|next=Victor Emilio Ramírez}}

{{s-bef|before=Nikolai Valuev}}

{{s-ttl|title=WBA heavyweight champion

|years=7 November 2009 – 2 July 2011
Failed to win Unified title}}

{{s-vac|next=}}

{{s-end}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Haye, David}}

Category:1980 births

Category:English male boxers

Category:Black British sportsmen

Category:21st-century Black British people

Category:English people of Jamaican descent

Category:British people of Jamaican descent

Category:Sportspeople of Jamaican descent

Category:People from Bermondsey

Category:Boxers from the London Borough of Southwark

Category:World Boxing Association champions

Category:World Boxing Council champions

Category:World Boxing Organization champions

Category:World cruiserweight boxing champions

Category:Boxers at the 2002 Commonwealth Games

Category:Commonwealth Games competitors for England

Category:Living people

Category:World heavyweight boxing champions

Category:AIBA World Boxing Championships medalists

Category:The Ring (magazine) champions

Category:Light-heavyweight boxers

Category:People educated at Bacon's College

Category:21st-century English sportsmen