‘Beautiful young man’ – Proud David Haye reveals son is now competing full-time in very different sport as he turns 17

DAVID HAYE’s son Cassius isn’t following his dad into boxing – but is targeting sporting greatness of his own.

The 17-year-old currently competes full-time on the Spanish junior tennis circuit.

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David Haye has wished his son Cassius (left) a happy birthday[/caption]

Instagram @davidhaye

The 17-year-old is not following his dad into boxing[/caption]

Instagram @mrcassiushaye

Cassius is a budding tennis player and currently competes on the ITF junior tour[/caption]

Instagram @mrcassiushaye

The teenager has lived in Spain full time since last August[/caption]

Cassius, who is named after Muhammad Ali, has pursued his tennis dream from a young age.

And Haye originally predicted his son would become a tennis star almost a decade ago.

He is now based in Spain full-time and began competing on the ITF junior tour last August.

Haye is a two-weight world champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.

He memorably won the WBA heavyweight belt in 2009 when he beat the giant 7ft Russian Nikolai Valuev.

And the former boxer is proud as punch to see his son chasing his sporting dream.

Haye wrote in a birthday message on Instagram: “My eldest son Cassius just turned 17… and I honestly can’t believe how fast the years have flown.

“From a fearless little boy to a focused young man, he’s now living on his own and competing full-time on the Spanish tennis circuit since last August.

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“I’m incredibly proud of the way he’s chasing his sporting dreams with discipline and maturity beyond his years.

“He’s grown into a beautiful young man — inside and out.

“And at 6’4, he’s now officially taller than me (not that I’m bitter about it!). Big things ahead. Watch this space.”

Despite not being interested in stepping into the squared circle, Cassius is happy to pump some iron with his famous dad.

Haye has shared snaps of the pair lifting together at the gym.

And a recent video showed Cassius has fast hands on the punching bag just like his old man.

Haye – known as The Hayemaker during his career – won 28 of his 32 professional fights.

The 44-year-old hung up his gloves in 2018 after losing a rematch to Tony Bellew.

He returned to the ring in 2021 for a lucrative exhibition against businessman Joe Fournier.

And the ex-heavyweight has also worked as a pundit for big fight nights on Sky Sports.