Meet David Haye, the former world heavyweight champion boxer who will be ‘just as successful as an actor’

Charlie Crowhurst/GettyDavid Haye after winning his comeback fight against Mark De Mori in January.

If anyone ever asks you whether vegans get enough protein, show them a picture of David Haye.

After recovering from a potentially career-ending shoulder injury, the former WBA World Heavy Weight Champion boxer is making a comeback, fueled by protein shakes made of plants.

Since winning his first comeback fight against Mark de Mori in January, Haye says his alter-ego is as strong as ever.

“The Hayemaker is a dangerous fellow who, when the bell rings, is on a seek and destroy mission, by any means necessary. No playing around. No comedy. It’s just straight up business,” Haye said.

The Hayemaker’s mission is to win the world title back.

However, outside of the ring, a measured, business-savvy man called David Haye is plotting to bring boxing further into the mainstream.

In January, he snubbed the lucrative pay-per-view channels to instead air his comeback fight on the free-to-view UK TV comedy channel Dave, gaining 3 million viewers.He told Business Insider that he hopes his increased profile will help him to launch a “serious” acting career after he retires.

Business Insider sat down face-to-face with Haye to find out more about both sides of the 35-year-old Londoner.

His face was cut and bruised during the interview, from a training session earlier that day.

Haye was a speaker at Advertising Week Europe in London earlier this month. The quotes that follow are a combination of what he said on stage, and an interview with Business Insider after his appearance.