Tony Bellew reveals his heartache over burying his brother-in-law as he threatens to retire David Haye
The two boxers came face to face for a press conference in London today ahead of their rematch at the O2 Arena on December 17
TONY BELLEW opened up on the turmoil he is going through after his brother-in-law died suddenly in August.
The boxer was speaking at the first press conference to announce his rematch against David Haye at the O2 Arena on December 2017.
Bellew famously won their first encounter as he stopped Haye in the 11th round.
But today's presser was far calmer than the ones that dominated their first clash - and it was clear that Bellew had other things on his mind.
He said: "I just look forward to fight night, this is all nonsense to me.
"My life has been put into reflection.
"What I have been through the last month, I wouldn't wish on my worst enemies.
"It puts everything into context, this is just another fight.
"I've buried my brother-in-law in the last fortnight, people have no idea, this is just another fight."
Ashley Roberts, a father-of-two, died suddenly in August, aged just 32.
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The two boxers refused to trade insults at the meet-up in Westminster, London, a far cry from the viciousness of the build-up to their last fight.
Back then Haye said he would "hospitalise Bellew", and mouthed off at his opponents' supporters at a Liverpool press conference.
But today, despite both men saying neither would "see the final bell", the mood was a much more relaxed one.
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Bellew, however, was in no doubt what would happen on December 17 when he turns his mind back to boxing.
He added: "When Haye is on top, he is brilliant, but when he is made to miss, he gets frustrated and he loses. There are ways of beating him.
"On December 17 he will lose to the fat boy, and this time it will be quicker.
"David Haye fell apart because I made him fall apart. The fight this time will not go on as long as last time.
"David Haye’s career ends on December 17."
But Haye was adamant that it was "revenge" rather than "repeat" and Bellew would be bombed out in the rematch.
And he used an interesting bank robbery analogy to explain how things will go.
He added: "People rob banks to secure their family.
"Would you go back to rob that same bank again? Is your hatred so bad for the clerk behind the desk that you need to do it again?
"Bellew's motivations were clear - he wanted to secure his family. He's a multi-millionaire - welcome to a very small club of British boxers who don't have to box, they are comfortable.
"I ask myself: what are his motivations going into the second fight?
"I didn't believe I'd get this opportunity again. I didn't think it would happen. Tony, for some reason, wants to do it again.
"My motivations are for revenge, I want to be the best heavyweight in the world.
"He doesn't want to fight Anthony Joshua or Deontay Wilder because he isn't big enough. So why go back into the lion's den?"
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