David Haye: Losing again to Tony Bellew would be worst possible finish to my career

By Richard Cawley

David Haye is determined to gain revenge on Tony Bellew in Saturday night’s heavyweight rematch at Greenwich’s 02 Arena – admitting another defeat to the Liverpudlian would tarnish his ring legacy.

The Hayemaker, a two-weight world champion, ruptured his Achilles in the first meeting between the two men but boxed on for a further five rounds before he corner pulled him out in the 11th round.

An initial date of December for Haye-Bellew II had to be postponed after the Bermondsey-raised puncher suffered an arm injury in training.

“They say you are only as good as your last fight and that was an 11th-round stoppage loss to Tony Bellew – that doesn’t sit right,” said Haye. “That is probably the worst finish to any career I could have. It would be a real big smudge on my resume. I would be very, very disappointed and feel I had undone all the great nights over the year – the world title fights at cruiserweight and heavyweight.

“Everything is on the line – my reputation, my whole soul is on the line and I will not allow Tony Bellew to get that win.”