Champion Heavyweight Boxer Goes Vegan for Comeback

He's got an English accent. He's buff. And now, he's vegan too. David Haye "The Hayemaker" recently told The Independent that he's planning to make a big comeback after some serious injuries, an out-of-control alter-ego, and major surgery. "I've only got myself to blame." He said. "To be as injury-prone as much as me isn't bad luck. It's the way I've trained in the past." Regarding his decision to go vegan, he said:

"I watched a TV documentary about how animals are farmed, killed and prepared for us to eat," he explains, shaking his head. "I saw all those cows and pigs and realised I couldn't be a part of it any more. It was horrible. I did some research to make sure I could still obtain enough protein to fight and, once satisfied that I could, I stopped. I'll never go back."

The Discerning Brute contributor and nutritional expert Matt Ruscigno, RD weighs in on Haye's new regimen and its chances to rebuild a heavyweight champ:

"All plant based foods have some protein, especially beans and grains - and as long as Haye is eating enough calories to fuel his workouts, he will get more than enough protein. Plant-foods like beans are full of calories to provide all the energy he needs, as well as all the amino acids he needs to continue building muscle in order to create and maintain a heavyweight physique. The additional benefit of the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables will aid in his recoveries. Experts know from extensive research that vegetarian and vegans live longer, and many nutrition experts are exploring the idea that the same principles that make us live longer may also help someone like Haye recover more quickly from injuries."