Hayemaker Ringstar: David Haye set to promote boxing the same way he fights

Flying under the radar of David Haye’s upcoming grudge rematch with Tony Bellew in December was the inaugural event staged by his promotional stable this past Friday.

Hayemaker Ringstar ran the Indigo venue that sits in the shadows of the much larger O2 Arena, where the former world cruiserweight and heavyweight champion hopes to avenge his loss to Bellew from March, also at the O2.

But if he is unsuccessful in tying the score against the Liverpool fighter and almost inevitably faces the prospect of winding down his in-ring career as a result, it’s safe to say that life as a promoter will provide plenty of thrills and spills along the way.

His main project is fellow heavyweight Joe Joyce, Rio 2016 silver medalist and World Series of Boxing veteran. He made his pro debut atop the card with a comprehensive stoppage win over veteran Ian Lewison.

“It’s really good to get the first one out of the way,” Joyce said after the bout. “Respect to Lewison — he’s a tough opponent.

“I had to be very careful because he had power in those shots. I couldn’t switch off. I took him apart with my jab.”

Haye said of his charge’s maiden voyage: “Believe me, tonight was only 30-40 per cent of what I know he has. Not many heavyweights could grind down and stop an opponent like Lewison.

“I’m very comfortable for him to get in and fight for the British or Commonwealth title in his next fight. He knows he made a couple of mistakes, but he’ll be even more clinical next time.”

That next fight could be underneath Haye vs Bellew II. Though primarily a Matchroom (Bellew’s promoters, led by Eddie Hearn) card, it is of course being staged in co-operation with Hayemaker, since the Londoner is one half of the featured attraction.

Not only would it not surprise anyone if Joyce is given a spot on the undercard, but Haye has already admitted they know exactly who they want opposite the towering rookie on fight night.

“We’ve offered Sam Sexton to fight Joe for the British title next,” explained Haye. “I’ve offered him a career-high payday. Haven’t heard back from him yet.

“We offered Dave Allen the chance to fight here tonight, but he turned it down for the rematch [with Lenroy Thomas]. Dave Allen fights Lenroy Thomas for the Commonwealth title next week.

“But both of those guys could fight Joe on the undercard of my fight in December, so hopefully one of them come through. They said a week ago that they would get back to me in two days. I’ll chase them up again. Offer them good money.

“I have already offered (good money to people). Hopefully people are brave. Sexton just won the British title. To fight someone in their second pro fight in a 12-rounder, you’d think he’d be brave enough to do that.”

Joyce turned pro at the relatively ripe age of 32, having chosen to spend a fair amount of time fighting at amateur and semi-pro (WSB) level before finally making the leap. As a result, Haye will realise that they cannot afford a particularly slow build-up.

The other big name on the card actually came from the world of MMA. Months after the crossover spectacle that was Conor McGregor vs Floyd Mayweather sent the world into a frenzy of intrigue and bickering, Bellator star and former world kickboxing champion Michael ‘Venom’ Page began to add another combat sport to his resume at a world level when he wiped out Jonathan Castano.

Notorious inside the cage for his flamboyant and devastating style, as well as his recent verbal wars with fellow Brit Paul Daley, MVP will alternate between MMA and boxing going forward and the combination of his charisma and his multitasking ensure plenty of eyes will be on him.

A delighted MVP said after his debut: “I loved every second. I felt absolutely fantastic and it was a good tester.

“I was looking for that finishing punch throughout the fight. I needed to bring him out of his cage and I caught him very well at the end.

“I’d like to go again right now, seriously. I enjoy what I do. I feel my style is capable of going from one to the other, like I’ve just shown.”

Haye added: “I thought the performance was perfect. He was throwing some crazy punches from crazy angles. It was pure entertainment and that’s what we need in boxing.

“He’s going to juggle between MMA and boxing. It’s one step at a time and he did exactly what he said he was going to.”

There’s a very good chance Hayemaker Ringstar won’t hit full stride until late 2018 at the earliest, given David’s continued in-ring commitments for the time being.

But he has at the very least started to put together a roster that promises to draw as much attention as Haye did throughout his career. And it is only fitting that his venture as the boss is as polarising and intriguing as his in-ring exploits always are.