David Haye
(Picture: Getty Images)Former World Champion boxer David Haye will stand trial in October over a claim he assaulted another man during a night out at the Hammersmith Apollo.
The 41-year-old denies attacking Nickesh Jhala at the west London venue on October 30, 2021, and is set to face trial over two days on October 4 and 5 this year.
Haye has hired top criminal barrister James Scobie QC to conduct his defence, and intends to give evidence at his trial, a hearing at Westminster magistrates court was told on Thursday morning.
“In our case, the defendant definitely will be giving evidence”, said Mr Scobie.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring agreed to extend the trial timetable to two days to ensure all nine witnesses in the case can be heard.
Haye, who is one of Britain’s most successful boxers, retired from the sport in 2018 with a record of 28 victories and just four defeats in his career.
He became a unified cruiserweight world champion in 2008, and claimed the WBA title in 2009 after moving up to heavyweight status. Haye also joined the 12th series of ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… in 2012, coming in third.
The former boxer was arrested after stepping off a plane on June 2 at Heathrow Airport, and first appeared in the dock in handcuffs.
Haye was not present at Thursday’s court hearing. He remains on unconditional bail until his trial.
