David Haye wants to take revenge for the defeat in March 2017 in the rematch against Tony Bellew on Saturday (7 pm on DAZN).
In an interview with DAZN, the Briton talks about the first encounter between the two boxers, his future career and the rematch.
DAZN: Mr. Haye, how long did it take you to watch the defeat in the first fight against Bellew again?
Haye: I saw it the very next day. And I thought to myself, “What the hell were you doing?” That didn’t look like me, but like someone who saw many of my fights and tried to copy me. Like he doesn’t have a boxing foundation, a freshman. It was very painful to look at it again.
DAZN: Still, at first it looked like you were going to win anyway.
Haye: It felt that way until the sixth lap – but fate had a different plan with my injury. Despite the defeat, I was proud of one thing: I found myself in a situation where things did not look good for me. And I still fought till I couldn’t. It’s good to know I can.
DAZN: Is the starting position for the first fight against Bellew similar?
Haye: She couldn’t be more different. The first fight, I underestimated Tony Bellew. I thought I’d hit him quickly on the chin and win the fight. But I was wrong. This way of thinking really got me into trouble that night. It’s not like the better fighter wins or the better athlete. You have to be in good shape and mentally correct when you go into a fight.
DAZN: Weren’t you in good shape before the last fight?
Haye: I didn’t do anything to be in the best of shape, but I thought I was. That was a painful lesson for life. But I’m also glad I lost. For example, if I had knocked him out in the first round, I would have felt confirmed in my wrong way of thinking and that would have hurt me in a fight against one of the greats. I was physically and mentally out of shape. This time I have a new coach and a new way of thinking. I will show you that the Hayemaker story is far from over.
DAZN: What else appeals to you about boxing?
Haye: At 37, I’m now at an age where I don’t box because I have to, but because I have goals and ambitions. I could live on a beautiful beach if I wanted to. But I want to be here. I enjoy boxing and the challenge of becoming number one again.
DAZN: Are you planning your career more strategically now that you’re not immediately demanding a fight against Joshua, but want to prove yourself against someone like Parker or Whyte?
Haye: That depends on my performance against Bellew. Standing now, I feel like I can defeat everyone in the world. But is that because I think so or because so? I don’t know. I don’t know. You’re only as good as your last fight. And my last fight was a defeat to Tony Bellew. So how am I supposed to even consider fighting a champion if I can’t defeat Tony Bellew? First of all, I have to prove my strength.
DAZN: If Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder meet, one of them could unite all four titles for the first time in boxing history. Does it give you the chance to fight the winner even more motivation?
Haye: I had the chance to unite several titles against Vladimir Klitschko before – and I lost. I can do that better, even though I’m 37 now. In the seven years I have gained a lot of experience. I feel better now than I did then. I’ll have to. Heavyweight opponents are getting stronger and younger.
David Haye on the first fight against Tony Bellew and his future career
David Haye on Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder and the rematch against Tony Bellew