Ex-boxer Haye launches ‘The Black Mask Company’

Former world heavyweight champion boxer David Haye launched a face mask just yesterday that he hopes will prove a stylish and eco-friendly way to protect people in gyms, shops and ringside, as the sport tries to emerge from the current coronavirus pandemic.

Briton Haye, 39, former world cruiserweight and world heavyweight champion, said he hoped the pandemic’s impact on the sport at the elite level would not last long and that a planned fight between compatriots Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury would take place soon.

Even though many sports’ leagues have had to take a break because of the current coronavirus pandemic but were recently able to start again, fighters haven’t been able to do so. However, in the meantime, the champion launched ‘The Black Mask Company’.

Former boxing heavyweight world champion David Haye poses for a photograph following the launch of his premium range of high-tech face masks, ahead of the British Government's law on wearing face masks in shops coming into effect on Friday 24th July, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in London, Britain. Image credit REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

Haye announced that the design was inspired by police masks in Vietnam, where there have been no recorded deaths from COVID-19 so far, and that the masks are made with eco-friendly material to help protect the environment.

“A lot of people use disposable masks - they wear it once and they throw in the bin,” he explained. “These are 100% cotton, they’re comfortable ... anti-bacterial and good for up to 30 washes.”

Haye said the washable mask underwent sweat-proof tests, making it easier to work out in a gym - or boxing club - when they are planned to reopen on Saturday in England.

People already have to wear face coverings on public transport, but from today they will also be compulsory in shops.

Image credit REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

Haye added that they were “two amazing athletes, both legitimate world champions.”

“We understand things have been delayed, so hopefully in 2021 we get to find out who is number one,” he laughed.

Although some televised boxing has taken place behind closed doors, Haye said it was difficult for fighters to make a living without spectators ringside.

“Hopefully we can get crowds back in to watch these sports...,” he declared. “Boxing is hard to watch when there’s no atmosphere and no crowd. You know, we need it.”