David Haye will beat Tony Bellew as long as he avoids another nightmare injury, according to coach
The Hayemaker's Achilles' tendon ripped in their first clash and helped the Bomber secure surprise stoppage win
DAVID HAYE will avenge his defeat to old enemy Tony Bellew as long as he avoids injury, according to the London fighter's new mentor.
Cuban master Ismael Salas took over the Hayemaker’s training regime after his last defeat to Bellew.
An Achilles’ tendon injury left the former heavyweight world champion hopping about the O2 before a late onslaught from the Bomber earned him a surprise stoppage win.
Haye – who wants to test his experience against Anthony’s Joshua’s potential – seemed close to retirement but has instead made a full recovery and returns on December 17.
Salas said: “From my experience with David Haye I feel he’s a really gifted athlete and his coordination and attributes are good enough to help him win.
“The only problem he’s had was his injuries in the past that has hampered him. But I think he’s going to come back very strong.
“Right now I’m adjusting some things in him as I work with him.
“I can’t really tell anyone right now in terms of our strategy but we plan to fight the best fight - but something everybody has to take into consideration is we are adjusting certain things because of Bellew’s style.
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“He’s a very talented fighter, he’s in good shape and free of injury now.”
Turning vegan and maintaining his stunning physique is one of the many surprising things Haye has done during his career.
And leaving up-and-coming trainer Shane McGuigan for veteran Salas also raised eyebrows among boxing fans.
But Salas insists the pair have bonded over their love of old-school training methods and he could box on until he hits 50.
Salas said: “We’ve been talking a lot. Very, very simple thing that we have talked about is how the old school boxing training is our mutual interest. It’s a timeless method.
“He likes the old school training methods, so we both agree on that.
“Actually, I have come up with the old Cuban professional fighters and I’ve been learning for more than 27 years in professional boxing. It’s good. We’re looking forward to just get the best out of him.
“He’s 37 years old but you can even see heavyweight fighters still fighting close to when they hit 50 years.
“This is because they may only fight once or twice a year. And as long as he keeps a healthy way of lifestyle, eats good food, adheres to good clean living he can prevail.”