Champion Boxer David Haye “The Hayemaker” Goes Vegan

British heavyweight champion boxer David Haye, also known as “The Hayemaker,” has joined the ranks of the many athletes choosing vegan foods for both compassion and a competitive edge.

“I watched a TV documentary about how animals are farmed, killed and prepared for us to eat,” Haye states. “I saw all those cows and pigs and realized I couldn’t be a part of it any more. It was horrible. I did some research to make sure I could still obtain enough protein to fight and, once satisfied that I could, I stopped. I’ll never go back.”

Haye, who has a 26-2 wins to losses record but who was put into retirement by injuries, is hoping he can come back to the ring —and he’s chosen a strict vegan diet to keep his health and athletic performance in peak condition. Haye is already training and plans to fight 3 times a year, aiming to retake the worldwide Heavy Weight champion title, won in 2011 and lost in 2012.

David Haye is the only boxer in the history of the sport to defeat his opponent by 7 stones, which is a British measurement. One stone equals 14 pounds, therefore he obtained his first heavyweight title by beating his opponent who was 98 pounds heavier than he was. Although he was not vegan at that time, his shoulder injury may have been negatively correlated to his previous meat-heavy diet.

Studies have shown that vegetarians have a quicker recovery time for breathing rates and muscular performance than non-vegetarians, and thus Haye may not have been able to recover efficiently. However, now that he’s vegan, Haye just may be able to achieve his goal of becoming the Heavy Weight Champion — all because of a documentary he saw on TV.

You too can be a champion — in athletics and for animals — by choosing vegetarian foods. Visit TryVeg.com to get started.