Haye back with BAMMA - and could box again

The former world heavyweight and undisputed cruiserweight boss will be providing colour commentary in Birmingham,

Haye will be in front of the camera for the 23rd edition of BAMMA (British Association of Mixed Martial Arts), the 'Night of Champions' at the Barclaycard Arena.

The 35-year-old has still not officially retired from the ring for a second time, originally hanging up his gloves after losing a world title fight to Wladimir Klitschko on points in 2011.

He returned the following year for a controversial bout with Dereck Chisora, who he knocked out in five rounds. He had been calling out the now-retired Vitali Klitschko.

Fights with Manuel Charr and Tyson Fury were scrapped due to injury in 2013 and he had to have surgery on a serious shoulder injury. He split with long-term coach Adam Booth last year.

Closing his 'Hayemaker' gym in south London last month - along with selling his sparring ring for £65,700 - was seen as a signal for the end of his career.

But Haye is still of a 'never say never' attitude, leaving the prospect of a huge blockbuster with Anthony Joshua next year a possibility.

He said: "I still train every day, I'm a fitness fanatic and I like to keep myself in good shape. I don't have the gym in Vauxhall anymore, but I have one at home.

"Loads of my mates have gyms, too, so I like to get out and about and train all over the place. My shoulder feels fine now.

"Some doctors told me I'd never fight again after my operation, some said I could. It's whether I would take the risk.

"I know who the players are and it would take a really big fight for me to come back. If I don't, I can be happy with what I achieved.

"Usain Bolt probably wants to go out there and break his own world records, because that's an athlete's mindset. You always want to go one better."

Haye is happy watching - for now - and there will be plenty for him to sink his teeth into on the BAMMA bill this weekend.

The show, which will be broadcast on Spike TV and Channel Five, will see five of the organisation's belts contested in one night.

BAMMA supporters got their money's worth on the last Barclaycard Arena offering, where 12 of the 13 contests finished inside the distance.

And Haye, who comes from a martial arts background, is expecting wars on a number of scores as he looks on from one of the best seats in the house.

He said: "I did martial arts as a kid, as my father was an instructor. I got into boxing when I was 10 and, obviously, that's what I carried on doing.

"I've always loved watching MMA, I used to buy all of the videotapes when I was a teenager. You couldn't just walk into Blockbuster and pick one up, you had to mail order them!

"It was a niche sport then, but it's grown and BAMMA have been a big part of that over here. This is the third show I've done for them.

"There are some real tear up merchants in BAMMA, they gone against the grain in that respect. It can be a ground game in the UFC, but I'm more a fan of the stand up fighters.

"I've commentated on boxing for the BBC, ITV and Sky Sports and, when BAMMA asked me to work as a pundit for them, I jumped at the chance.

"It's great to do something different and it can be as dynamic and explosive as anything I have seen. A fight is a fight, but these can change at any moment.

"I love watching stoppages, there have been loads on the previous bills I have been at, so the fans can expect fireworks.

"I've also been to the Barclaycard Arena with BAMMA before, too, and it's a great venue. I'm expecting to have a good night."

Tickets are still available from www.bamma.com and www.barclaycardarena.co.uk, or by calling 0844 338 8000.