Tony Bellew fumes at David Haye after Hayemaker throws punch at heavyweight rival at press conference
TONY BELLEW branded David Haye “disgusting” for throwing a punch at him during an explosive head-to-head yesterday.
The warring duo traded verbal barbs at a heated London press conference to publicise their heavyweight showdown on March 4.
But when they squared up for the traditional face-off at London’s swanky Dorchester hotel, Haye got too close for Bellew’s liking.
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The WBC cruiserweight champ pushed his fellow Brit away — and was clipped by a left hook in return.
Bellew, 34, said: “I’m disgusted in David throwing a punch like that.
“Listen, he got close and was a millimetre away from kissing my lips. It’s not that kind of party.
“He got too close and I pushed him off. It wasn’t even a hard push, it was a gentle one, and then he punched me on the side of the head with a left hook.
“I’m shocked. He was very anxious when he got close, whereas I was relaxed.
“I wanted to tell him a few home truths — not for the cameras. I was going to cover the mic. No one would have known what was said. But as I pushed him off, he chose to punch me.
"It’s disgusting really.
"Some of the things he said, like ‘You’re going to a hospital bed’ . . . there are fighters in comas right now.
“Guys have been hurt in boxing. Don’t brag about someone going to hospital. It’s absolutely horrible.
“It’s the most dangerous sport there is. In boxing, hitting someone on the head and knocking them unconscious is the ultimate goal.
“We don’t need clowns like him saying, ‘I’m going to leave you in hospital’. I didn’t throw a punch, I had no intention of throwing one, I just wanted to get him out of my face. He hit me on the ear.”
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The unsavoury incident came at a time when Eduard Gutknecht is still in a coma following his defeat to George Groves on November 18.
Retired fighter Nick Blackwell was also hospitalised last week, having fallen ill after a sparring session.
Bellew believes Haye’s actions prove the former WBA world heavyweight champion is already feeling the pressure ahead of their showdown at the O2.
He added: “People have suffered brain injuries in boxing. There’s a line — and he crossed it. I’m not here to put anyone in hospital. I’m here to get home safe to my three kids.
“He’s shook up. I don’t understand why he threw a punch. It’s sad.”
Haye, 36, said: “He pushed me, so I had to give him a little clip around the ear. It took all my will not to kick off properly.
“I don’t think he got the memo he’s getting starched. Reality is going to come crashing down on him.
“Bellew can say what he wants, but this is by far the biggest fight he has ever been involved in.
“He will come in stronger and fitter than ever because he knows he has to. When anybody fights me they always raise their game.
“But I have seen it all and done it all. It’s going to be a one- round knockout job. He is getting destroyed.
"I could go clubbing every single night from now to the fight, get smashed every night and still knock him out. I could turn up drunk off my head.
“If I want to punish him for three rounds, I’ll do it. If I want to take him out in 30 seconds, I’ll do it.
“I was a world champion when he was still an amateur.
“Now he’s got this massive fight up at heavyweight, I think it’s a step too far for him.”
Sky Sports apologised to viewers after Haye delivered an X-rated comment straight to camera.
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