David Haye insists arch-rival Tony Bellew will NOT win a heavyweight title despite shock win against Londoner
The Hayemaker insists Bellew does not have what it takes to reach the summit of the heavyweight division
DAVID HAYE says Tony Bellew will never fulfil his dream of winning a world-heavyweight title.
Haye suffered an 11th-round TKO against Bellew when they clashed at London’s O2.
But he believes his rival does not have what it takes to go one step further.
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Former WBA world heavyweight king Haye suffered a ruptured Achilles in the sixth round against Bellew, 34, but battled on before trainer Shane McGuigan threw in the towel.
He said: “OK, he beat me but I don’t think he can win a version of the world heavyweight title. No.
“If he can get more money by fighting the likes of WBC champion Deontay Wilder or WBO champion Joseph Parker, then he will take those fights.
“But I don’t think those bouts make as much sense as fighting me for a second time because everyone wants to see us fight for a second time.
“I have no control over what Bellew wants to do next and I’ve heard talk that he is ready to pack it all in.
“I hope he doesn’t because I would love the chance to put the record straight — and if I do win any rematch then I’d be prepared for a third fight, a career-defining trilogy.”
Haye must appear before the British Boxing Board of Control next month after his outrageous pre-fight verbal attack on world cruiserweight champion Bellew that shocked many.
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He said: “Yes, the Board have been in touch and I have to see them soon. I am expecting a heavy fine but I’ll just have to wait and see what they decide.”
And the 36-year-old Londoner claimed promoter Eddie Hearn told ref Phil Edwards to order his corner to remove a bandage that was being used as emergency strapping to help him through the Bellew bout.
He said: “My corner tried to give me some kind of stability when they wrapped a bandage around my right ankle.
“At that time we didn’t know what the injury was. I saw Eddie run over to the ref and tell him I had to take it off.
“I’ve looked in the rule book and there is nothing to say I couldn’t use the bandage.
“I didn’t feel that it made much difference anyway but the thought was it might support my ankle in some way.”