From Boxing Gloves to Tennis Rackets: David Haye's Son Carves His Own Path at 17

By Lewis Barnett 3 May, 2025 7 mins read 55 Views

Jesus. Time really does fly. I was scrolling through my feed yesterday when I saw David Haye's birthday post for his son Cassius, and it hit me like a ton of bricks that this "little boy" is now 17 years old. And get this—he's not even following his dad's footsteps into the ring.

The kid's gone full tennis mode.

I remember interviewing Haye back in 2016 (or was it 2015?) when he first mentioned his son's tennis ambitions. I honestly thought it was just one of those things boxing dads say when they don't want their kids getting punched in the face for a living. Turns out the man was dead serious.

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The Spanish Tennis Experiment

Cassius—named after Muhammad Ali, because of course he is—has been living in Spain since last August. Not visiting. Not training part-time. LIVING there. At 16! When I was 16, I could barely remember to take the garbage out, let alone move to another country to pursue athletic greatness.

The teenager is now competing full-time on the ITF junior circuit, which is basically the proving ground for future tennis stars. Haye's been posting these father-son gym pics that make me feel both inspired and painfully aware of my own fitness shortcomings.

And here's teh kicker—the kid stands at 6'4", officially taller than his heavyweight champion father. Talk about genetics playing the long game.

When Your Dad is "The Hayemaker"

Can you imagine the pressure? Your dad is David freaking Haye, the guy who took down the 7ft Russian giant Nikolai Valuev to claim the WBA heavyweight title back in 2009. The man won world championships in two weight classes. That's the shadow you're living under while trying to make your mark with a completely different sport.

But from everything I've gathered, Cassius seems to be handling it with remarkable poise. There's video of him hitting the punching bag with his dad, and the kid's got hands almost as fast as his old man—he just decided to use them for forehand winners instead of knockout punches.

Family Matters (and Sometimes Falls Apart)

Behind every successful young athlete, there's usually a story of sacrifice. Cassius' mother Natasha, a former makeup artist, was married to Haye from 2008 until their split in 2016. Classic story of a high-profile sports marriage—"grew apart" as Haye traveled the world for his boxing career.

I wonder how co-parenting works when your kid lives in another country pursuing professional sports. Not exactly the standard custody arrangement discussed in family court.

Proud Papa Bear Moment

Listen. There's something genuinely touching about seeing a former fighter beam with pride over his son's completely different path. In his Instagram birthday message, Haye wrote: "I'm incredibly proud of the way he's chasing his sporting dreams with discipline and maturity beyond his years. He's grown into a beautiful young man—inside and out."

And then he couldn't resist adding: "And at 6'4, he's now officially taller than me (not that I'm bitter about it!)."

That's the kind of dad joke that makes you roll your eyes and smile at the same time.

What Comes Next?

Haye ended his birthday message with "Big things ahead. Watch this space." And honestly, I'm curious to see where this goes. The tennis world is brutally competitive—probably even more cutthroat than boxing in some ways. At least in boxing, you can make a decent living without being in the top 100. Tennis? Not so much.

For now, Cassius is grinding away on the Spanish junior circuit, building his ranking and experience. His dad predicted tennis stardom for him almost a decade ago. Sometimes parents just know.

Meanwhile, the 44-year-old Haye has settled into post-fighting life pretty well. After hanging up the gloves in 2018 following his rematch loss to Tony Bellew, he's done some punditry work for Sky Sports and even stepped back in the ring for an exhibition bout against businessman Joe Fournier in 2021 (because apparently retirement gets boring when you're used to people paying to watch you punch things).

But something tells me his proudest moments these days come from watching his son chase a completely different kind of sporting glory. With a tennis racket instead of boxing gloves.

And isn't that what parenting is all about? Watching your kids find their own way—even when it leads them down a completely different path than your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you progress from amateur to Professional Boxing?

In order to transition from amateur boxing into professional, there is a major increase in the intensity of competitions, training and mental prep. An amateur must demonstrate a high level of performance by taking part in local or national competitions. To be able to secure professional bouts, it is important to have a professional license in boxing and align yourself with experienced managers or trainers.

What are the key components of a boxer's training routine?

A boxer’s routine is made up of several main components. These include technical skills development, tactics drills, strength-and-conditioning, sparring, as well as mental preparation. Tactics drills help develop fighting strategies, while technique-focused exercises improve defensive maneuvers and punch accuracy. Sparring and conditioning exercises provide practical combat experience. Mental training is aimed at building resilience, confidence and focus.

How long is it usually required to become a professional fighter?

The time it takes to become a professional boxer can vary widely. It is dependent on the starting level of the boxer, his/her ability to adapt, and how well he/she trained. It may take several years for a dedicated amateur athlete to reach the level of a professional. Some exceptional talent may advance faster, while others might need more development time.

What type of diet is best for a beginner boxer?

A boxer who is a novice should eat a healthy diet. This will help him recover from intense training and fuel his workouts. It is generally recommended to consume a mix of carbohydrates for energy, lean proteins for muscle repair and growth, and healthy fats for overall health. Hydration, vitamins, and minerals are critical as well. Consulting a sports nutritionist to develop a diet plan that is tailored for the boxer's weight class and training schedule can be beneficial.

What are the requirements to train for professional boxing?

For anyone to start training in professional boxing they must have a commitment to fitness, discipline and an open mind. Initial training includes learning the fundamentals of boxing, including footwork, stance and defensive tactics. Joining a boxing gym that has experienced trainers with a thorough understanding of the nuances involved in professional competition is essential. Before they compete, novice boxers usually undergo a regimen of intense conditioning, drills and sparring.

Is it possible to learn boxing professionally for anyone?

Although boxing can be enjoyed by many, not all will have the skills to compete at professional levels. Professional boxing requires a unique blend of talent, physical abilities, mental toughness, and dedication. The sport has inherent risks that potential boxers will have to be willing and able to take. A thorough screening by a boxing trainer can determine whether someone has the potential to pursue a career in professional boxing.

What should you look for when choosing a boxing trainer?

If you are looking for a boxing trainer or coach, look for someone with experience, who has a proven track record of success, has a similar coaching style and a thorough understanding of both the technical and strategic elements of the sport. A good trainer will also emphasize safety, conditioning, and personal growth. It is also important to find a boxing coach who can motivate you and communicate effectively.

Statistics

Around 60% of professional boxers supplement their income with other activities or jobs, due to variability in fight earnings.
On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
As per recent surveys, only about 17% of professional boxers reach a title shot opportunity in their careers.
Less than 10% of professional boxers are undefeated throughout their career, highlighting the sport's competitive nature.
Reports suggest that successful professional boxers can earn upwards of 50 times more than the median purse for entry-level professionals per fight.

External Links

How To

How to Increase Endurance in Boxing

It is important to build endurance in order to maintain energy during a match. Engage in aerobic activities like running, cycling, or swimming to boost cardiovascular health. For explosive power, incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in your workouts. Interval training can be done on a heavybag, where periods of high intensity punching are alternated with resting periods. This simulates the demands of boxing rounds. Consistently increasing intensity and duration will help you to improve your endurance.

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https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/times-square-smackdown-garcia-vs-romero-set-to-light-up-nyc-tonight-in-epic-triple-header