David Haye and Tony Bellew will finally let their fists do the talking after a heated build up to the mega-bout
Both British fighters will be able to settle their differences in the ring after an intense build up to the fight
IN a contest for who has the biggest gob, David Haye and Tony Bellew would probably draw.
But the heavyweights move from trading insults to punches when the first bell struggles to be heard above the din at London’s sold-out 02 Arena.
Haye, 36, is overwhelming favourite, painted as a boxing powerhouse who will do his best to make sure the bout does not last as long as one of his rants.
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Few are tipping Bellew to pull off a shock and punch Haye into yet another retirement.
The Scouser, 34, could become a two-weight world champion — a feat achieved by Haye at cruiserweight and heavyweight.
Londoner Haye has caused outrage throughout his career.
From sick T-shirts that showed the Klitschko brothers Wladimir and Vitali decapitated in 2009, to promising he would put Bellew in hospital for even daring to challenge him.
The Hayemaker has justified himself by claiming if it was good enough for Mike Tyson, then it is good enough for him.
But in the five years since Haye beat Dereck Chisora in July 2012, he has had two major shoulder operations.
On his return to the ring in January last year, Haye kept us interested in Mark de Mori for two minutes 11 seconds while Arnold Gjergjaj was stopped after four minutes 35 seconds.
That makes a total of just six minutes and 46 seconds of fighting since Chisora.
Bellew has had 13 bouts in the same time, winning the WBC world cruiserweight title to step up a division for this collision with Haye. No one is suggesting Bellew will suffer from ring rust.
The pre-fight ritual of touching gloves will not happen — this is a real grudge match — not a sporting contest.
Bellew said: “I’d like to believe we could shake hands at the end but it’s not going to happen, he’s insulted where I’m from.
“It’s gradually got worse between us.”
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Londoner Haye will stalk Bellew from a low stance — looking to entice him to throw his hands so he can gauge where the openings are and use his jab to keep control of the action.
The Hayemaker’s speed is obviously his real asset, so Bellew must adjust and cope to his low position.
Bellew cannot afford to be static. He must keep changing his position.
Alexander Gurov and Enzo Maccarinelli both paid the price for standing too upright against Haye.
Gurov was beaten in one round for the European title and Maccarinelli blasted in two for the WBO world cruiserweight title.
Bellew will take some heavy shots but if anyone can test Haye mentally, it is Bellew.
He must also try to hurt Haye early on, become the hunter and not the hunted, dragging the battle into the second half.
If Bellew does not do all that it will be a hard night’s work — and he will be the latest victim on Haye’s record after just a couple of rounds.
What the experts think
ADAM BOOTH - Haye's former trainer
I CAN’T pick anyone other than Haye — I trained him for too long not to know what he can do.
It is going to be an early finish with his hand raised.
JAMES DeGALE - IBF world champion
BELLEW has been active — unlike Haye.
He has not had a real fight in five years, so nobody really knows what he can do if the fight goes into the later stages.
FRANK WARREN - Boxing promoter
HAYE all day long. He is too big and a natural puncher.
Bellew has been knocked over by cruiserweights as a pro. Haye will win as soon as he catches him.
JOHNNY NELSON - Ex-world champ
HAYE will win if he is still the boxer he was six years ago.
But the longer the bout goes on, it will suit Bellew. The question is how much has Haye got left?
PETER FURY - Tyson Fury’s trainer
IT will be a war while it lasts, a 50-50 fight that will be decided by who lands a big punch first.
Don’t write off Bellew. He’s a fighting man and a long fight will suit him.
HUGHIE FURY - Heavyweight contender
IT will be a hard night’s work for both and it will come down to who has the bigger fight in him.
If Tony gets past the first few rounds it will be a very interesting fight.
COLIN HART - Sun boxing columnist
BELLEW must be given a chance, but it’s not a realistic one. Light-heavyweight Adonis Stevenson knocked him out and he will find Haye is a much harder puncher than the Canadian.
As soon as the Hayemaker lands a big shot on Bellew’s chin it will be over any time between rounds one and four.