Former World Heavyweight Champion David Haye has stood up to the best in the ring and even out of it, does the name Dereck Chisora ring a bell? And after achieving what he has achieved, for a man who exchanges punches for a living, one cannot be blamed for expecting to meet an intimidating hulk. The closely-braided hair and hammer-like fists attached to a ripped muscular torso goes further in portraying that image. But once he welcomes you with his warm smile in a soft voice, you realise the humility it takes in becoming a true champion. Mirror had one such encounter with the Brit national yesterday. Haye, usually seen heckling and threatening opponents before fights, spoke politely about his admiration for Indian boxers Vijender Singh and Mary Kom.

The duo gave India its only two Olympic medals in boxing – Vijender’s bronze at the Beijing in 2008 and Kom’s thirdplace finish in London last year. Haye is also convinced that Vijender has the talent to become a successful professional boxer like himself, if he ever chooses to move on from the amateur circuit. “There are a lot of professional boxers who could not make it to the Olympics, for instance I myself could not make it when I was an amateur. He has the talent. What he has done is great. If he chooses to he definitely can make it as a professional boxer. He is a very good athlete. He is world renowned and has been so successful,” Haye said of Indian boxing’s posterboy Vijender.