Yesterday David Haye made his expected retirement from the sport of boxing official.
The former two-weight world champion released an official statement and a video on social media announcing his decision to back down from boxing as a competitive fighter.
This is not the end, it is the start of something new. Ain’t no stopping us now. Full statement 👉🏾https://t.co/paCqDm3wB8pic.twitter.com/1tVHOezy7I
— David Haye (@davidhaye) June 12, 2018
“Today (Tuesday, June 12, 2018) I announce my retirement from professional boxing. They say you can’t play boxing. Yet, as I write this retirement statement, and reflect on my time in the sport, I can’t find a better way to describe the ride.
“Thanks to boxing, I have been able to live my unencumbered childhood dream; a dream my dad, Deron, facilitated the moment he took me to Fitzroy Lodge amateur boxing club as a nervous 10-year-old,” wrote Haye in his statement.
Haye’s final career opponent Tony Bellew described the Londoner as one of the best that British boxing has produced.
“I wish him well and would like to thank him for the opportunity in the first fight. He has had a fabulous career and will go down as one of the all-time British greats,” said Bellew according to Sky Sports.
Bellew famously stopped Haye in the 11th round in their first clash back in March 2017. ‘The Hayemaker’ suffered two separate injuries delaying the rematch until May 5 and Bellew eventually handed Haye his final loss inside five rounds.
‘The Bomber’ also gave his respects on social media and tweeted Haye.
Nothing but respect and admiration for you.. You’ve had a career that any fighter would be immensely proud of. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to fight yourself the first time around! It changed mine & my families life forever so I’ll always be indebted to you. #Respect👊 https://t.co/uagJkLA1fb
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) June 12, 2018
“Nothing but respect and admiration for you.. You’ve had a career that any fighter would be immensely proud of,” wrote Bellew.
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