In the rematch against former heavyweight world champion David Haye, Tony Bellew can beat the favourite for the second time after the victory in March 2017 (Sat., from 7pm LIVE on DAZN).
In an interview with DAZN, the Briton talks about the first fight, David Haye and the fascination of boxing.
DAZN: Mr. Bellew, you won the first fight against David Haye. Did his injury change everything during the fight?
Tony Bellew: Everything went according to plan until the end of the fifth round. So I told him, “You’re beaten.” In the sixth lap he suffered an injury at the Achilles heel, which really annoyed me. It was like the battle of Troy when Hector tripped over a stone and Achilles said, “I will not let any stone steal my glory.” His injury stole my glory that night. This time I want to take it all for myself.
DAZN: Do you feel betrayed by your triumph?
Bellew: A little bit, yes. When the injury occurred, he was ahead by points. But he lacked the clout. I realized in the first round that I was going to win the fight. Before the fight, Haye said he’d beat me fast. Then why didn’t you do it, David?
DAZN: Was Haye surprised by your performance?
Bellew: With each lap I could see more clearly in his face how shocked he was. He couldn’t believe I was still here. The blow that knocks you out is never the blow you see, but the blow you don’t see. Haye is neither fast nor intelligent enough to meet me with something I don’t see coming.
DAZN: What are Haye’s other weaknesses?
Bellew: He’s so predictable. I’ve followed his entire career. He was someone I looked up to. That’s why I know what he’s doing before he even knows it. Even if he decides to do something else, it only lasts one or two rounds at the most due to the decreasing concentration.
Tony Bellew on David Haye: “He is an extremely explosive boxer”
DAZN: Haye had many injuries in his career. Is it because he’s not living professionally enough?
Bellew: I don’t think so. He’s an extremely explosive fighter. This way of boxing makes injuries more likely. I’m still surprised how unlucky he was with injuries. But he also recovers extremely quickly from these injuries. I have no idea how he does it. The question is whether his body can withstand the hard fight against me. When you go in the water, you shouldn’t be surprised that you get wet. I am aware that boxing is an extremely tough business with great risks.
DAZN: Do you expect a stronger Haye than last time?
Bellew: I’m not afraid of an old man. Before the last fight, he tried every trick in the book to intimidate me. But that doesn’t work for me. This time Haye will have a better plan than last time. He won’t underestimate me again. I’m not saying I’m better than him. He’s the better fighter. But I know how to beat him. Timing is the most important thing in boxing. And now it’s time to end David Haye’s career.
Page 1: Bellew on the first fight with Haye and his relationship with his competitor
Page 2: Bellew on the fascination of boxing and the role of the media