Pictured above: IMMAF President Kerrith Brown (right) speaks with professional boxer David Haye at the BodyPower Expo in Birmingham, UK Kerrith Brown, President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), recently met former Cruiserweight and Heavyweight Boxing World Champion David Haye when both men attended the UKMMAF National Amateur MMA Tournament, held at the NEC Birmingham in Birmingham, England. The IMMAF President and 1984 Olympic Judo Bronze Medalist explained that he was greatly impressed by Haye’s knowledge and enthusiasm for MMA, and the pair discussed IMMAF’s role in bringing regulation to the sport and developing its Amateur scene. “It was great to meet David Haye, it’s the first time I’ve actually met him in person. It was great just to have a general chat about the sports of MMA and Boxing. His knowledge of the sport is quite high, especially for a boxer, to understand the different dynamics of MMA.” Online records show that Haye, a big fan of the UFC, accumulated over 80 victories as an Amateur Boxer, competing in a culture of experience through volume that is far different from that of MMA where it is common for amateurs to make a professional transition with fewer than 10 bouts. This can often result in career losses at an early stage due to a lack of experience that holds back a fighter’s development. Haye noted how top Amateur Boxers will be of a high professional standard before even considering joining the professional ranks. “He knows the top end of the sport, but also understands our perspective at IMMAF; looking for the recognition, regulation and development of the athletes, particularly the Amateur athletes, and maintaining them beyond the usual run of six to ten matches when they’d usually turn pro. We want Amateur Mixed Martial Artists to do a lot more, and Amateur Boxing is a perfect example of this. From David’s perspective, it’s unusual for Amateurs to do six matches and then go professional. He agrees that these athletes coming through need more experience before making that transition.” David Haye continues his return to Heavyweight Boxing tonight, May 21, at London’s O2 Arena where he takes on undefeated Swiss competitor Arnold Gjergjaj. Written by IMMAF.org lead writer and website manager, Jorden Curran]]>
