- published: 24 Mar 2016
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David Deron Haye (born 13 October 1980) is a British professional boxer from England.
Haye is the former WBA heavyweight champion. He is also the former unified world cruiserweight champion, holding the WBA, WBC, WBO, and The Ring cruiserweight titles, and the former European cruiserweight champion.
Haye started his ambition and passion for boxing at old-school boxing gym Fitzroy Lodge Boxing Club in Lambeth, South London, where he quickly impressed and confidently won his first amateur bouts.
In 1999, 18-year-old Haye participated at the world amateur championships in Houston, Texas, USA at light-heavyweight but was eliminated by experienced American Michael Simms early in the contest.
At the 2001 World Amateur Boxing Championships in Belfast, Northern Ireland he fought in the heavyweight 201 lb division where he beat world class Sebastian Köber to reach the final where he gave Odlanier Solís a standing eight count before being stopped by the Cuban in round three, and taking the silver medal.