Haye Ditches Boxing for Acting Career

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Legendary boxer David Haye has disclosed his daring next step in life – transitioning from the boxing ring to acting on film, a shift he’s making seven years after hanging up his gloves.

44-year-old, who was once the heavyweight boxing champion of the world, is making his acting debut in “Under The Gun,” an upcoming short crime movie that will be released next month.

In 2018, David concluded his career as a boxer, but acting, a long-held dream of his, is now materializing.

In my own words, I’d say, “I am thrilled to embark on this new journey under the guidance of Charles Belleville. Working alongside such an exceptional cast and crew is truly an honor.

‘Acting is a discipline, much like boxing – it takes commitment and preparation to deliver. 

‘I hope the viewing audience receive my acting as well as they have supported my boxing career.’ 

Apart from shining brightly on screen himself, the British actor graciously acknowledged his acting guide and producer, Alex Fidelski, and expressed gratitude towards the British Urban Film Festival (BUFF), as they provided an essential stage for our project.

On June 25, Under The Gun is scheduled to be screened at BUFF, featuring David in a cast that includes Kevin McNally, an acclaimed actor known for Pirates of the Caribbean and The Crown.

The movie takes place in the gritty, criminal side of London, and it involves two detectives who find themselves playing poker with stakes that turn out to be far greater than they had anticipated, as described by the festival.

Ever since 2016, I’ve been open about my love for acting – a dream that I’ve nurtured for quite some time now. Back then, I mentioned that upon retirement within the next couple of years, I aspired to become an actor.

My goal is to achieve similar success in acting as I’ve managed in boxing; it won’t be an easy task, but I’m aware of the challenge ahead. I’ll need to begin anew, starting fresh.

He concluded: ‘But I’ve always loved film and I think I’d make a great actor.’ 

In the year 2018, David decided to retire from boxing after experiencing two consecutive losses against his opponent, Tony Bellew.

In my expertise, I’ve had the privilege of consolidating the cruiserweight division, a significant milestone in my career. Later, I elevated my game further to claim the WBA heavyweight title, marking an impressive chapter in my professional journey.

However, two crushing losses at the hands of Tony dealt a fatal blow to his dreams of reclaiming his world title, and, for the first time reported by Sportsmail, these defeats led him to retire from boxing.

David was among the hardest hitters in our nation, yet his 16-year, 32-bout professional boxing journey was consistently disrupted by injuries.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d put it this way: Though I achieved the historic feat of becoming the first British fighter to claim the unified cruiserweight crown and added another title by defeating colossal Russian boxer Nikolay Valuev in 2009, my fitness struggles were a constant companion during my defeat at the hands of Wladimir Klitschko in 2011. Regrettably, these same fitness issues also cost me two bouts against Tyson Fury.

They also continued to haunt him when he returned to the sport in 2016 after nearly four years out.

He expressed satisfaction and good health upon announcing his retirement, stating that his family’s financial security was a testament to a job accomplished well.

In a statement posted on his website, David expressed gratitude for how boxing made it possible for him to realize an unhindered dream from his childhood. He credited his father, Deron, for this, as the pivotal moment came when his dad brought him to the Fitzroy Lodge amateur boxing club at the age of 10, filling him with nervous excitement.

‘On reflection, my 16-year, 32-fight professional career was one of two halves. 

For the initial eight years, everything progressed flawlessly. I engaged in 25 bouts and made history as the inaugural British boxer to consolidate the cruiserweight division… Later on, I realized a lifelong ambition by defeating the WBA heavyweight champion of the world.

However, during the latter part of my professional journey, I truly understood the essence of battling and embodying a fighter’s spirit.

If given the choice, I would’ve engaged in a total of 16 battles during the second half of the past eight years.

However, regrettably, due to my malfunctioning body, I managed to enter the ring for only seven fights during that period – four victories and three defeats. Many times, merely reaching the ring in an intact state felt like a battle itself.

His aspirations of defeating Tony initially were hindered by certain health issues related to fitness, culminating in a torn Achilles tendon before a 12th-round knockout loss.

However, it was during his second loss against his Liverpool adversary on May 5th in London – a match that served as a clear indication – that he realized his tenure had come to an end.

He acknowledged that his previous extraordinary speed and strength, which seemed almost divine, are no longer being favored by fate in boxing. Without these unique abilities, he admitted that he has significantly lost his competitive advantage.

For supporters, it likely felt akin to backing their favorite horse in the Grand National, yet watching it trip at the starting gate, much like an overly relaxed donkey in a smaller race.

Undeniably, my heart yearned for the triumph of retiring victorious, or crowned as a champion. Yet, beneath the surface, I recognize that the exertion I poured out on May 5, 2018 was nothing less than the very best remnants of my strength and determination.

In a top-tier boxing ring, I discovered the limits of my skills as my subpar performance exposed the truth about my capabilities.

‘This is not the end of my story. It’s simply the start of something new,’ he added.

Dear fans, my gratitude runs deep, for standing by me during difficult moments and cheering me on, no matter the outcome. Your unwavering kindness has truly made a difference, and those special moments together will forever remain cherished. Thank you.

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2025-05-15 04:21