David Haye guns for worlds largest boxing lesson

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Dubai: Former world heavyweight champion David ‘The Hayemaker’ Haye will attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the ‘world’s largest boxing lesson’ when he takes to the stage at the Dubai Sports World at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Saturday, June 21.

Haye, one of boxing’s most recognisable international stars who is set to open his Haymaker Gym in Downtown Dubai, has been recruited for the unique, charity-driven world record attempt.

The current world record involving 498 participants was set by former ironman Guy Leech Fitness in Sydney’s iconic suburb of Manly beach on March 25, this year.

Haye has called on Dubai’s residents and sports fans to help him make history by joining him at the iconic World Trade Centre, the home of the 11-week Dubai Sports World, to experience a one-off session of his very-own, personally-choreographed boxing-meets-fitness training concept.

Movement training

The 40-minute session will feature technical boxing and movement training sandwiched by a boxing-themed warm-up and warm-down.

“I’m spending more and more time in Dubai in the run-up to Hayemaker Gym opening and I’ve fallen in love with this city,” said Haye.

“It’s already given me so much and I’m determined to keep giving back. Everyone knows Dubai loves a record, so I’m playing my part in making a bit of history and encouraging more of Dubai’s people to stay fit, eat healthy and be active. I can’t do it alone though — I need Dubai to join me!”

Donation

Visitors to Haye’s Guinness World Record attempt at Dubai Sports World will be requested to make a minimum donation of Dh30 on arrival. All proceeds will go to a Dubai-based charity selected by Haye and Dubai Sports World in coming weeks.

“There are so many positives which will come out of this world record attempt,” he said. “We’re bringing people from across Dubai’s multicultural community together to advocate the merits of staying fit and pursuing a healthy lifestyle, we’re pledging all proceeds to charity, we’re taking the fitness, technique and endurance aspects of boxing to a whole new audience, we’re going for a world record for Dubai and we’re doing it all indoors right in the heart of the city at Dubai Sports World.

“It’s going to be a brilliant class and I can’t wait to get started.”

Dubai Sports World, which is being run in partnership with Dubai Sports Council, will run from June 12 to August 30 at the Shaikh Saeed Halls 1 and 2 and the multi-purpose Trade Centre Arena.

The expansive venue will feature eight, pro-standard pitches for five or seven-a-side football and rugby, six badminton courts, one volleyball court, three basketball courts, one tennis court, a skateboarding and BMX park, a state-of-the-art gym, a 600-metre running track and tiered seating for over 1,200 spectators. A soaring climbing wall is also being introduced this year, while a cricket pitch is back following popular demand. In addition, the free-to-enter Entertainment Zone will feature 12 table tennis tables, four pool tables and two foosball tables.

Haye’s Guinness World Record attempt is the first confirmed event in a series of engaging ‘Sporting Weekends’ concepts — featuring local, regional and international sports celebrities — Dubai Sports World is rolling out to add further diversity to this year’s energetic calendar of tournaments, open days, clinics and training sessions.

For more information on Haye’s attempt to set a new Guinness World Record visit the venue’s dedicated website at www.dubaisportsworld.ae.

Staff Report