Haye Embarks On Poker Campaign
Former Unified World Cruiserweight and WBA Heavyweight Boxing Champion David Haye is set to take on a new challenge in partnership with Grosvenor Casinos.
‘The Hayemaker’ will spend the next 12 months mastering the art of poker with the intention of competing at the world’s largest tournament outside of Las Vegas in the summer of 2019, Grosvenor Casinos’ Goliath.
Haye, who announced his retirement from professional boxing in June, is one of the best pound for pound fighters Britain has ever produced, with a 28-4 record, 26 by KO.
The star announced his new venture in front of thousands of amateur and professional poker players at this year’s Goliath Poker Tournament 2018, presented by Grosvenor Casinos at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.
He said: “I’ve always been intrigued by the skill and strategy of poker, so to be able to have the opportunity to work with Grosvenor Casinos and learn from some of the best players on the world circuit was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down and something I’m really looking forward to.
“The next 12 months will be exciting, but I am also acutely aware, extremely challenging also. As a former professional boxer if someone who had never put gloves on in their life asked me if they trained for 12 months whether they could have a chance in a professional bout, I would say no chance. However, if they told me they would be working with the best team, and they were naturally athletic, then maybe, just maybe.
“I’m a complete novice so it’s a huge ask but I am looking forward to the challenge and getting my teeth into something new before taking on Goliath Poker Tournament in 2019.”
Grosvenor Casinos is pitching the stunt as ‘David vs Goliath’ part two, in reference Haye’s landmark 2009 victory over the 7ft 2″ 330lbs giant, Nikolai Valuev.
The campaign follows a template set by stars including cyclist Victoria Pendleton, who took on a horse racing challenge with Betfair following her retirement from the track.
Earlier this year footballer, Rio Ferdinand was denied by authorities in his attempt to make a transition into boxing, also in partnership with Betfair.
As part of this challenge, Haye will be coached by some of the best poker professionals on the circuit, such as Grosvenor Casinos’ sponsored players, Jeff Kimber, Katie Swift and Joe Beevers, who have won more than $4million dollars between them.
He will travel the world to take part in unique training opportunities with actors, mathematicians and psychologists to forge his own style, and poker personality. He will also learn the most popular poker game in the world, No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em and take part in tournaments at Grosvenor Casinos across the country to build his confidence and test his mental stamina and aptitude to become a successful player.
Russell Tamplin, head of poker for Grosvenor Casinos, said: “Poker is an intense game of skill and strategy, where players need all the confidence of their conviction to bluff their opponents for that knockout blow. David Haye has all of the attributes needed to become a great poker player and we’re really excited to be supporting The Hayemaker to fulfil his ambition of taking on Goliath in 2019.
“Former sport stars and professionals have proven to be adept at taking on the challenge of poker. I’m sure David’s competitive nature and fighting spirit will serve him well in his journey to win at poker. The question is will The Hayemaker instill fear into his opponents, or will he fold under pressure as many poker players will also be keen to deliver a knockout blow.”
Grosvenor Casinos’ Goliath Poker Tournament 2019 will take place from 27th July to 4th August 2019 at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.
