David Haye has moved into boxing promotion after revealing his plan to have five more fights before retirement next year.
The former heavyweight world champion, who fights Tony Bellew on March 4, insisted on Friday he would not go beyond 2018, with the intention of rounding off his career against Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
The 36-year-old two-weight world champion said: 'I'd say realistically I need five more fights to prove I am the best before I retire.
'I have targets in sight - No 1 is Anthony Joshua because he has the momentum behind him.
'Next is Tyson Fury and if he comes back he will want the big pay day that he hasn't had so far in his career and with my box office appeal I could give him the pay day he wants.
'If he makes that comeback it will either by myself or Joshua in the opposite corner - there's two big fights to be going on with and of course there is Tony Bellew's fight against me pretty soon.
'I want to fight three times this year and I'd be surprised if I go past 2018.'
The step into retirement was partially made on Friday with his announcement that he has teamed up with Richard Schaefer, the former CEO of Golden Boy in the US, to enter the congested UK promotion market.
With Eddie Hearn's stable placed on Sky Sports and Frank Warren locked in with BT Sports, Sportsmail understands Haye's company are in talks with ITV, Channel 5 and UKTV in an effort to lure another broadcaster into boxing.
Haye has promised to 'send shockwaves through British boxing' after announcing the historic deal with promoting giant Schaefer.
Hayemaker Ringstar will establish a stable of boxers including current world champions and the most exciting prospects in the UK.
Haye said of the venture: 'Together, we are creating a new kind of promotions entity. Throughout the history of boxing, the fighter has worked for the promoter, the core values of Hayemaker Ringstar will turn this on its head. We will work for the fighter.
'This shift will impact an incredible sport in a hugely positive way. Hayemaker Ringstar will be renown for discovering amazing young talent, nurturing, empowering, and helping them to become global stars.'
'The promoters who have dominated the British scene until now have done a good job.
'But with Richard's unrivalled track record coupled with my first hand insight understanding the needs of a fighter through the evolution of their career Hayemaker Ringstar provides fighters with the perfect environment to maximise their potential, both in the ring and commercially.
Schaefer added: 'The UK is a great market for boxing, with exciting fighters and passionate fans, and we're determined to work with the most talented boxers to give people the fights they want to see.'
The first fight to be promoted by Hayemaker Ringstar will be Haye's heavyweight clash with Bellew, a co-promotion with Matchroom Boxing, at London's O2 Arena on March 4.
Article courtesy of Daily Mail
The former heavyweight world champion, who fights Tony Bellew on March 4, insisted on Friday he would not go beyond 2018, with the intention of rounding off his career against Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
The 36-year-old two-weight world champion said: 'I'd say realistically I need five more fights to prove I am the best before I retire.
'I have targets in sight - No 1 is Anthony Joshua because he has the momentum behind him.
'Next is Tyson Fury and if he comes back he will want the big pay day that he hasn't had so far in his career and with my box office appeal I could give him the pay day he wants.
'If he makes that comeback it will either by myself or Joshua in the opposite corner - there's two big fights to be going on with and of course there is Tony Bellew's fight against me pretty soon.
'I want to fight three times this year and I'd be surprised if I go past 2018.'
The step into retirement was partially made on Friday with his announcement that he has teamed up with Richard Schaefer, the former CEO of Golden Boy in the US, to enter the congested UK promotion market.
With Eddie Hearn's stable placed on Sky Sports and Frank Warren locked in with BT Sports, Sportsmail understands Haye's company are in talks with ITV, Channel 5 and UKTV in an effort to lure another broadcaster into boxing.
Haye has promised to 'send shockwaves through British boxing' after announcing the historic deal with promoting giant Schaefer.
Hayemaker Ringstar will establish a stable of boxers including current world champions and the most exciting prospects in the UK.
Haye said of the venture: 'Together, we are creating a new kind of promotions entity. Throughout the history of boxing, the fighter has worked for the promoter, the core values of Hayemaker Ringstar will turn this on its head. We will work for the fighter.
'This shift will impact an incredible sport in a hugely positive way. Hayemaker Ringstar will be renown for discovering amazing young talent, nurturing, empowering, and helping them to become global stars.'
'The promoters who have dominated the British scene until now have done a good job.
'But with Richard's unrivalled track record coupled with my first hand insight understanding the needs of a fighter through the evolution of their career Hayemaker Ringstar provides fighters with the perfect environment to maximise their potential, both in the ring and commercially.
Schaefer added: 'The UK is a great market for boxing, with exciting fighters and passionate fans, and we're determined to work with the most talented boxers to give people the fights they want to see.'
The first fight to be promoted by Hayemaker Ringstar will be Haye's heavyweight clash with Bellew, a co-promotion with Matchroom Boxing, at London's O2 Arena on March 4.
Article courtesy of Daily Mail
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