Boxing

TOUCH OF CLASS

Tony Bellew shows great respect to help stricken David Haye after his eleventh round victory

Gary Stonehouse

Published: 9:30, 5 Mar 2017
Updated: 11:12, 5 Mar 2017

Old foes hug after the final bell in a touching mark of respect

TONY BELLEW showed a classy show of respect for David Haye after his devastating eleventh round victory.

The Liverpool-born heavyweight dominated throughout at the O2 Arena and eventually stopped the Londoner with a round to spare.

Tony Bellew showed great respect as he helped David Haye back to his feet after his victory — Tony Bellew showed great respect as he helped David Haye back to his feet after his victoryCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

After sending Haye flying through the ropes of the ring with a heavy blow, the stricken star's corner threw in the towel to bring the brutal beating to an end.

And after a ferocious war of words in the build-up to the fight, Bellew put all that aside after the final bell.

Bellew claimed victory after stopper Haye in the 11th round — Bellew claimed victory after stopper Haye in the 11th roundCredit: Reuters

Haye went crashing through the ropes in the 11th before his corner threw in the towel — Haye went crashing through the ropes in the 11th before his corner threw in the towelCredit: Reuters

The pair embraced at the end of the clash at the O2 Arena — The pair embraced at the end of the clash at the O2 ArenaCredit: Reuters

Helping Haye to his feet, he embraced the 36-year-old before going on to celebrate with his corner.

MOST POPULAR IN SPORT

Defiant Floyd Mayweather speaks out over video of angry mob trying to jump him

Defiant Floyd Mayweather speaks out over video of angry mob trying to jump him

All the details you need as ex-KSI trainer makes return to ring

Viddal Riley next fight

All the details you need as ex-KSI trainer makes return to ring

Taylor makes decision that hints at next fight as rival says 'I don't need you'

Taylor makes decision that hints at next fight as rival says 'I don't need you'

Sydney Thomas: Ring girl who shot to fame after Mike Tyson and Jake Paul fight

Sydney Thomas: Ring girl who shot to fame after Mike Tyson and Jake Paul fight

Topics