A vegan diet may seem unappealing for maintaining strength, power, and stamina, especially in boxing, where continuous hard training is essential.

However, there is one heavyweight world champion boxer, with a record of 28 wins, 4 losses, and 0 draws, who went on a plant-based diet for 3 years during his career.

He is none other than former professional boxer David Haye, who, according to a 2017 Business Insider article, told The Sun, “I have a full-time chef and a good nutritionist who makes sure I get all the minerals and nutrients required.”

According to the article, talking about the benefits of his vegan diet, Haye said, “I feel better than ever, I look and feel younger. People say, ' Where do you get your strength from? [But I ask them] where does an ape get his strength from?'

[Apes are] 20 times stronger than humans and they don't rely on a meat-based diet. They eat plants all day long. It's a myth that you need meat for strength.”

He became vegan in 2014 after watching a documentary about animal farming. After doing his own research, he learned that a plant-based diet is beneficial for athletic recovery.

During an interview with the Sun, Haye said, “It started when I was injured and was researching the best diets to heal muscles. All roads kept leading back to a plant-based diet — and when you look at the horrible way animals are treated, that made it easier to switch”.

Apart from Haye, there are other legends who, either during their careers or after retirement, have chosen a vegan diet.

Boxing celebrities apart from David Haye who became vegan

Mike Tyson: In 2010, Tyson adopted a vegan diet. The former legendary boxer went vegan and made it public on many occasions. He admitted that the vegan diet helped him move away from the careless, disorderly life he had led in his prime.

Lawrence Okolie: Okolie, the former WBO cruiserweight champion, was among the first vegans to win a world title in the division.

He made changes to his diet in 2017. At that time, Okolie shifted his focus to professional boxing and tried to cut his weight.

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil