David Haye has revealed he won't be doing any more reality TV shows following his controversial stint on I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
The former heavyweight champion, who faced accusations of 'bullying' winner Adam Thomas and criticism for alleged 'misogynistic' comments during the South Africa series, confirmed that he is now pursuing legal action over the situation.
Haye chuckled when asked whether he would be taking part in any more reality TV while being interviewed by Daily Mail Sport ahead of his exclusive appearance at Paddy's Sportsbook at The Hippodrome Casino for the all–British heavyweight world title clash between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois on May 9.
'Will I return to reality TV?' Haye said. 'No! Definitely no plans… I'm still dealing with the last one I did.'
Shortly after his interview with the Daily Mail, Haye took to social media to further clarify his stance on the controversy and the legal case.
He said: 'I've been inundated with people wanting a statement in regards to the legal situation with ITV and this defamation case. The answer is yes I am… I don't like people taking advantage… I'm going to take it as far as it needs to go.'
David Haye has opened up on his controversial stint on I'm a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! and the ongoing fallout, before turning his attention to Daniel Dubois clash with Fabio Wardley
Haye was speaking ahead of his exclusive appearance at Paddy's Sportsbook at The Hippodrome Casino for the all–British Heavyweight World Title clash on May 9
He also suggested the show may not reflect reality as it appears, adding: 'When you're right and the decision comes down to a judge… they'll realise that this reality TV might not be that real, maybe it's manipulated heavily and directed in a certain narrative for a specific reason.'
Away from television jungle, Haye offered insight into Daniel Dubois' short–lived link–up with Tony Sims, as the British heavyweight prepares to face Wardley for the WBO title in Manchester this Saturday night.
The fight carries major significance, with Wardley entering unbeaten and full of momentum, while Dubois is looking to reassert himself at the top level after losing his world title to Oleksandr Usyk, having previously stunned Anthony Joshua in a career–defining victory.
According to Haye, Dubois' split from Sims came down to a fundamental clash in approach.
'I've heard… that things didn't work out with Tony Sims because his approach was very movement–focused,' he explained, adding that 'the word going around is that Daniel Dubois flat–out refused… he didn't want to move his head… so he essentially said no.'
That apparent reluctance to adapt ultimately saw Dubois return to Don Charles, a trainer whose style Haye believes aligns more naturally with the fighter's instincts. 'So now he's gone back to Don Charles… who focuses more on punch output than evasion… maybe Dubois feels that suits his style better,' he said, while noting that sometimes a fresh perspective simply doesn't stick.
Haye also pointed to a broader truth within boxing, stressing that responsibility ultimately lies with the fighter rather than the corner. 'Fighters can sometimes use coaches as scapegoats, but ultimately it's the person in the ring throwing the punches,' he said, suggesting Dubois now needs stability and a clear structure heading into a dangerous fight.
That danger, he believes, comes in the form of Wardley, who has built a reputation for resilience and finding ways to win. 'Fabio Wardley is on a serious run… he always seems to find a way,' Haye said, highlighting the champion's durability and ability to come through tough moments.
While Dubois has shown flashes of resilience – notably in his comeback win over Kevin Lerena – questions about his resolve have lingered, though Haye was cautious in his assessment.
Wardley arrives unbeaten and full of momentum after a statement win over Joseph Parker, a result that elevated him from one-to-watch into genuine world-level operator
Dubois (right) pictured punching Anthony Joshua (left) in the first round of their the IBF World Heavyweight Title fight Wembley
Usyk will return to the ring later this month to face former kickboxer Rico Verhoeven
'We'll find out on Saturday… it's a bit unfair to question a fighter's heart… but he may have to take some punishment,' he said, pointing out that facing someone like Wardley will inevitably involve absorbing heavy shots.
Haye ultimately leans towards the unbeaten champion, particularly if Dubois sticks to a more static style. 'If I'm a betting man, I'm backing Wardley to find a way… you can't just stand there and take shots,' he added, referencing the kind of power that has seen Wardley repeatedly break opponents down.
Looking beyond the fight, Haye also cast doubt on whether Oleksandr Usyk would face the winner, suggesting the Ukrainian is now more focused on legacy–defining bouts.
'I don't really see Oleksandr Usyk fighting Fabio Wardley… I actually think he'd prefer to fight Deontay Wilder,' he said, arguing that big–name opponents may hold more appeal at this stage of Usyk's career.