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David Haye

Areas of Interest

Sports, Health Care

Honorary Award

Honorary Doctor of Science, 2010

Biography

David Haye is a contemporary boxing legend known for his energy and professionalism and for being a role model to young people. He receives an Honorary Doctor of Science award for his boxing success. He was formerly the WBA Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World.

Boasting the hand and foot speed of a middleweight and simply unimaginable power, he scooped and unified all the major world cruiserweight titles within an explosive four-month period, before venturing to heavyweight and capturing the World Boxing Association's (WBA) heavyweight title in 2009.

Born in 1980 in Bermondsey, South London, David Haye's progression towards the combat sports was a natural one encouraged by his parents. At one point he was steered towards martial arts but at just 10 years of age stepped into the Fitzroy Lodge boxing gym and quickly caught the bug. Over the years, Fitzroy Lodge would become his home. Articulate and intelligent, David realised the importance of school grades but was lured by the riches and accolades of boxing. He left school at 15 with no qualifications but enough grounding to understand that sport is business.

David Haye began his professional career as a cruiserweight in 2002. Blessed with a knack of ending fights in dramatic style and intent on taking risks, 'The Hayemaker' quickly became a UK favourite and ultimately The Ring magazine's Champion.

Cruiserweight fights saw him beat WBO title holder Enzo MAccarinelli and his high profile battle with Monty 'Two Gunz' Barrett signalled the arrival of David Haye in the heavyweight division. His title shot came against 23 stone world champion Nikolai Valuev in 2009. Overcoming the 'Goliath' of boxing in 12 rounds, he fulfilled his life-long dream of lifting the WBA world heavyweight title and now installed as champion, he looks to replicate his cruiserweight success and unify the heavyweight titles.

While enjoying his achievements, he is actively working to give something back to the sport and has used his entrepreneurial skills to develop his international 'Hayemaker' business which helps develop young talented boxers who are looking to become professionals in the sport.

He has also given his time and support to Anglia Ruskin University's new Postgraduate Medical Institute which is helping to develop the expertise of the medical profession for the benefit of people in the East of England including top sportsmen and women.



Citation

"Vice Chancellor, it is my pleasure to read the citation for David Haye for the award of Honorary Doctor of Science.

David Haye is a contemporary boxing legend known for his energy and professionalism.

He is currently WBA Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World.

Boasting the hand and foot speed of a middleweight and simply unimaginable power, he scooped and unified all the major world cruiserweight titles within an explosive four-month period, before venturing to heavyweight and capturing the World Boxing Association's (WBA) heavyweight title.

Born in 1980 in Bermondsey, South London, David Haye's progression towards the combat sports was a natural one encouraged by his parents. At one point he was steered towards martial arts but at just 10 years of age stepped into the Fitzroy Lodge boxing gym and quickly caught the bug. Over the years, Fitzroy Lodge would become his home. It was the place he could fully express himself.

Articulate and intelligent, David realised the importance of school grades but was lured by the riches and accolades of boxing. He left school at 15 with no qualifications but enough grounding to understand that sport is business.

He began his professional career as a cruiserweight in 2002. Blessed with a knack of ending fights in dramatic style and intent on taking risks, 'The Hayemaker' quickly became a UK favourite and ultimately The Ring magazine's Champion.

Cruiserweight fights saw him beat WBO title holder Enzo MAccarinelli and his high profile battle with Monty 'Two Gunz' Barrett signalled the arrival of David Haye in the heavyweight division. His title shot came against 23 stone world champion Nikolai Valuev in 2009. Overcoming the 'Goliath' of boxing in 12 rounds, he fulfilled his life-long dream of lifting the WBA world heavyweight title and now installed as champion, he looks to replicate his cruiserweight success and unify the heavyweight titles.

Earlier this year, David Haye took the first steps in doing so when he took on the respected American John Ruiz. Displaying dazzling speed and power, he became only the second man ever to stop Ruiz, hitting harder and more consistently than ever.

He is now earmarked as the 'saviour' of boxing. Described by The Sunday Times as 'charismatic, good-looking and exciting', he is still relishes the challenge the sport brings.

While enjoying his achievements, he is actively working to give something back to the sport and has used his entrepreneurial skills to develop his international 'Hayemaker' business which helps develop young talented boxers who are looking to become professionals in the sport.

He has also given his time and support to Anglia Ruskin University's new Postgraduate Medical Institute which is helping to develop the expertise of the medical profession for the benefit of people in the East of England including top sportsmen and women.

David Haye is a thrill seeker, warrior and entertainer - and people love him.

It is for his remarkable success in boxing and for being a role model and inspiration to all that we would like to honour him today.

Vice Chancellor, it is my pleasure to present David for the award of Doctor of Science, honoris causa."