David Haye has won many prestigious titles in his career – now he is targeting a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
However, he needs the people of Dubai to help him as he bids to hold the ‘world’s largest ever boxing lesson’, in association with Dubai Sports World, this Saturday.
Staged at the Dubai World Trade Centre, participants can sign up in advance on the Dubai Sports World website at a cost of Dh30 with the proceeds going to the Rashid Centre for children with special needs.
The current record stands at 498 – set in Australia earlier this year – but the ‘Hayemaker’ is targeting a class of 1,000. The 40-minute class will feature a shadow boxing session sandwiched between a boxing-themed warm-up and warm-down.
It will be personally-choreographed and led by the former WBA heavyweight champion and an expert team of fitness instructors from Hayemaker Gym Dubai.
The 33-year-old said: “The record is just under 500 and I really want to smash that record.
“I have a great team and they will be able to teach the basics of boxing and the combinations, give them a good stance and good form.”
The lesson will start at 11:00 sharp so participants need to be there well in advance of that time – especially if they intend to register on the day.
Organisers are advising participants to arrive at the DWTC by 10:00 and be ready for the class by 10:50 to make their presence count for the record.
The minimum age is 10, while under-14s must be accompanied by an adult. The event has its origins in a recent visit by Haye to the Rashid Centre, where he admits he was “touched” by the superb work being carried out.
The Briton said: “A few months back I was fortunately invited to visit the Rashid Centre in Dubai and I soon realised what an amazing charity it is in the way that it helps and supports teenagers and young people to go out there in the world and become the best they can be.
“The staff at the Rashid Centre really do work hard with these kids day in and day out and around the clock – the visit that day really touched me.
“The world record attempt is a unique way to generate funds for an organisation that does an incredible amount of work for children and I can personally guarantee we’ll have a little fun while we do it.”
So Haye is encouraging all people to join him on Saturday morning whether you take part in the sport or not. He said: “We are expecting a lot of families, and there will be a lot of kids, women and older people.
“The class won’t be too tough because we don’t want people dropping out saying they are running out of energy.
“We want to make sure it’s a good quality lesson. It will last for 40 minutes and it’s really going to be a good day and good fun, as well as raising money for a fantastic cause.”
Mariam Othman, director at Rashid Centre, welcomed the initiative by Haye.
She said: “David made a real connection with many of our children when he volunteered to spend some time with us earlier this year and he was overwhelmed by the response.
“He was really involved and the kids loved hearing him talk.
“We never expected David to involve us in this amazing record attempt but we’re thrilled he’s decided to cement his commitment to the Centre.”
WHAT: Guinness World Record attempt for World’s Largest Indoor Boxing Fitness Class
WHEN: Saturday at 10:00 for an 11:00 start
COST: Charitable donation of Dh30
AGES: 10 and over. Under-14s must be with an adult
Sport360 VERDICT: Whether you’re a boxing fan or not, this is a fantastic opportunity to be part of something special – especially as it’s led by a former world champ and all proceeds go to a great cause.
CONTACT: For more information, visit www.dubaisportsworld.com
