FORMER world champion David Haye knew his boxing career was finished just 35 seconds into his rematch with Tony Bellew.
The now 42-year-old was dropped three times before being stopped in the fifth back at The O2 on May 5, 2018, leading to his retirement a few weeks later.
David Haye knew just 35 seconds into his final fight his career was over
The 40-year-old was dropped three times before being stopped in the fifth against Tony Bellew in May 2018
‘Hayemaker’ had suffered a ruptured Achilles during the first fight with the Liverpudlian a year previous, forcing his corner to stop the clash in the eleventh.
But despite coming into the second bout as heavy favourite, the Londoner admits he realised he was finished as a boxer inside the very first round of the one-sided affair.
Speaking to the Daily Star, Haye said: “I knew about 35 seconds into the first round of that second fight with Tony Bellew that this was it. “It just felt all wrong, it was really weird. I’ve never had it before. It just didn’t feel like a boxing match, it felt really strange.
“I was kind of posturing and hoping something would click into how it always was, and it just didn’t click in at any stage.
“Even in the early rounds, the rounds I was winning, it just felt that everything was an effort. Even to move and bounce, it was all an effort.
“I’d see opportunities after they’d gone, whereas before I’d see it and just deal with it. But it just got to that point where I just couldn’t see and it was too late. “Where I’d normally slip and counter I was just getting hit.
“It was a feeling I’ve never had before and would never like to have ever again to be brutally honest!”
The ex-two-weight title holder continued: “I’m glad it ended as conclusively as it did so it doesn’t leave me with any thoughts that ‘maybe one day I can do a little bit better, if it wasn’t for my Achilles then I could have done it.
“I knew that was it. I can remember that feeling of ‘that’s it, you’ve pushed it as far as it’s humanly possible to push it, you’ve given it a good go, you’ve given yourself the best chance, you’re as healthy as you’ve ever been, you’re as strong, you’re as fit’ – but it’s not about strength or fitness, it’s about how much fight your body can fight. 
“And once that flame’s out, it’s out for good.”
In 2021, Haye did return to the ring for an exhibition match against pal Joe Fournier.
He won by unanimous decision after eight rounds, but despite admitting he enjoyed it there’s no chance he will return again
“The itch was there for me at the time, I really enjoyed it,” Haye said of his exhibition bout.
“I did like a month’s boxing training for that, I don’t usually do boxing training anymore I just do weight training and circuits and general all-around fitness so I had a month to do some sparring and general boxing training – really got the juices flowing.
“But, since then I’ve packed up the gloves so the vibe’s gone now [laughs]. I’m just enjoying my world tour at the moment, just bumping around enjoying life,” Haye concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you practice boxing punches.
A punching bag is used to practice boxing punches. Once you feel comfortable with the technique, you can punch the bag. Next, you’ll move on to the next part of your body. You can then move onto the next area once you are comfortable with that one.
Do I have to fight in order to train boxing?
You can’t train boxing without fighting. It is important to put in the effort to improve your boxing. But if you do, you’ll find that you can improve your boxing technique, speed, endurance, strength, and stamina.
Watching good boxers fight is the first step to improving your boxing technique. Watch how they move, how they throw punches, and how they defend themselves. Try to imitate their movements.
Next, you’ll need to spar against another boxer. This is where your ability to improve your boxing technique will be revealed. It’s important to observe how fast you can punch, the strength of your punches and how well you block any incoming punches while sparring.
Finally, practice your boxing skills with drills. Practice is key, so don’t be discouraged and keep practicing.
How do you train boxers for beginners?
Boxing is one of the oldest sports in existence, but it was only recently that boxing became popular again. Two fighters fight each other in boxing. They punch each others until one loses.
It is important to decide if you like boxing before you can start training to become a fighter. You can watch some boxing matches on YouTube to feel how it feels hitting someone. After you have decided whether or not you want to be a boxer you will need to decide which type of fighting you prefer.
Can you train yourself to box?
You can learn how to box. You just need to find a boxing gym near you and join a class. Although most gyms offer free classes to their members, it is possible to search Google for other local boxing clubs.
Equipment such as gloves, mouthpieces, headgear and sparring partners are also required. Once you have this equipment, it’s time to start practicing your kicks.
What are the advantages of learning to box
The following are reasons why you should learn how to box.
- It builds confidence. Learning to box will give you the courage to face bullies or other people who might try to bully you.
- It is good for your health. Boxing can help build muscle mass. Muscle mass makes you more powerful.
- It helps you to learn self-defense skills. Learn how to fight to learn how you can protect yourself.
- It improves your mental toughness. It is crucial to have mental toughness when faced with challenges.
- You will feel proud of yourself. Once you have mastered a technique, you will feel like a true boxer.
- It’s fun! Nothing is better than being punched in the stomach.
- It’s cheap. All you need are a pair of punching bags and boxing gloves.
- It doesn’t require much space
What is the difference between left hook and right cross?
A left hook is thrown to the side of your body, while a right-cross is thrown to the front.
A left hook is thrown with the back of the hand facing the opponent’s face. The elbow is bent 90 degrees and the wrist is turned 45 degrees toward the opponent.
A right cross is thrown with the palm facing the opponent’s face and the elbow straight. The opponent is 45 degrees from your wrist.
How to throw an emu jab
You can throw a jab by following this easy step-by–step guide.
- Take your step forward with both of your feet.
- Raise your arm above your shoulder.
- Place your fist on the target.
- After hitting your target arm, lift your arm up.
- Continue with steps 1 through 4.
Statistics
- This article received 39 testimonials and 89% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. (wikihow.com)
- You want to be running at roughly 75-80% of your top speed..5 mile slow, easy recovery jog at the end.[6]X Research source 2Mix in long runs, shadow boxing, and short sprints on non-interval days. (wikihow.com)
External Links
expertboxing.com
boxandflow.com
How To
How to learn how to box for fitness
How to box for exercise
Learning boxing will help you improve your self-confidence and physical fitness. Boxing is the most well-known sport in the world. It requires speed, strength, agility, stamina and coordination.
Boxing is a great way of getting fit and feeling good about yourself. You’ll find that you enjoy the activity so much that you’ll want to keep doing it.
There are many boxing training options. You can choose to train in a gym or at home. Others require that you go to a health club. You can also take online courses that allow you access from anywhere in this world.
It is important to find a program that suits your needs and your lifestyle. The best programs include exercises designed to build muscle mass, increase flexibility, improve cardiovascular endurance, and enhance overall well-being.
It is important to consider whether you would prefer a beginner’s or an advanced course. Beginner’s classes usually teach basic techniques, such as sparring, mittwork, shadowboxing, and punching. Advanced programs often cover more complex movements, and include a greater variety of exercises.
Programs for beginners usually last eight weeks and cost less that $100. However, they do not offer guidance on nutrition, weight reduction, injury prevention, or any other aspects of boxing training.
Advanced programs generally last around six months and cost approximately $300. They can include nutrition advice, stretching routines, warm up exercises, and instructions on proper technique. Some programs include resistance training such as lifting weights and aerobic conditioning such as running.
