UK's David Haye set to earn 20 million pounds

London, Nov 9 : New world heavyweight boxing champion David Haye stands to rake in at least 20 million pounds from defending his crown as well as sponsorship, television rights and advertising deals.

Haye bagged five million pounds by negotiating a share of the Sky Box Office takings, where half a million viewers paid 14.95 pounds to watch him snatch the title from the Russian Nikolai Valuev.

He is believed to have earned around five pounds for each 14.95 pound Sky fee plus a cut of the higher commercial rates charged to pubs and clubs of up to 700 pounds.

After the title, fashion and cosmetics firms are scrambling to sign up the hunk, who has already done modelling assignments for Versace and Abercrombie and Fitch.

“David''s a bright boy who wants to take full advantage of his fantastic win, his personality and his looks. He aims to retire as undisputed champion of the world before his 31st birthday - at least 20 million pounds richer,” The Sun quoted a source close to the Haye camp, as saying.

The 29-year-old would be backed by Richard Schaefer, boss of American firm Golden Boy Promotions.

--ANI