David Haye and Tony Bellew set for heavyweight rematch
Last updated on .From the section Boxing
David Haye says he has agreed terms for a heavyweight rematch with Tony Bellew.
After a fiery pre-fight build-up, WBC cruiserweight world champion Bellew stopped his rival in the 11th round in their first meeting in March.
Haye injured an Achilles in the sixth round before falling to his third career defeat.
Haye tweeted: "It's taken months of negotiating but teams have finally agreed all terms for Haye-Bellew 2. Will Bellew put pen to paper?"
No date or location has been confirmed by either promoter, but there are reports it will be held on Sunday, 17 December at London's O2 Arena.
Former WBA heavyweight champion Haye needed surgery following the defeat by Liverpool's Bellew, and has since split with trainer Shane McGuigan.
Analysis
Luke Reddy, BBC Boxing reporter
Since splitting with McGuigan, Haye has linked up with renowned Cuban coach Ismael Salas, a trainer of multiple world champions. But the impact of that new relationship will form just a small part of the questions the Hayemaker must answer in a second meeting with Bellew.
Crucially, how much trust will he be able to place in his Achilles? Can he box at full throttle?
Many believed he would have gone on to beat Bellew in March until injury struck but there were signs Haye was beginning to blow prior to his misfortune. Bellew boxed cleverly, countering with accuracy time and again so it is unlikely his chances will be dismissed this time around.
So in the ring this looks balanced on paper and will again deliver plenty of intrigue. It is outside of the ring where many in the sport will hope common sense and calm win the day. Haye was fined for his words last time out, while Bellew faced a stiff warning from the British Boxing Board of Control.
Bellew helped Haye back to his stool in his stricken state afterwards, pointing to a respect. But it is safe to say there is no love lost here and if this bout is confirmed as expected next week, anything other than a ferocious build-up would be a surprise.
Comments
Join the conversation
It was a bit embarrassing last time and turned off a lot of fight fans, so leave it out and do your talking in the ring this time
Of course they both know this, so there will be a lot of nonsense to try and sell this sows ear as a silk purse. More fool anyone who buys in to it.
I echo the sentiment of others here though that we really don't need another angry build up to the fight. They did that, and afterwards they showed each other respect, let's have that continue and just have a good fight.
Haye's body is the question. Will it hold up at optimum level for 12 world title level rounds? If so, he has too much power. But Bellew won't give an inch & Haye will have to earn the win
All the b@#$ocks in the build up about how they hate each other, then at the end they act like two drunk mates who couldnt stop hugging each other.
If you think we are shelling out foe this your going to be disapointed.
"You will pay to the watch the fight? mug, proper boxing fans know it's a joke fight... Shandy boy!!"
------
Thank you sir, I enjoy a nice refreshing shandy. And 20 odd quid is nothing, I drive a Ferrari.
On a different note - here's to the Raging Bull Jake Lamotta, 1922 - 2017. RIP.
Haha, we've all seen exactly how much power McGregor has in a boxing ring; none at all. He couldn't land a meaningful punch on a light middleweight, he'd offer a heavyweight less trouble than a schoolgirl. The heavyweight might at least feel conflicted about the prospect knocking out a schoolgirl.....
56: belafonteon19
"easy for david hay.different class.late KO"
See what bela did here, readers?
Clod.
60: Stewarton19
"I lost interest in boxing when Michael Watson was injured. Even Rio Ferdinand can't save it"
You lost the interest SO much, you'd decided to post on a boxing thread about two different boxing stories.
Genius.