Former two-weight world champion David Haye says he’s hopeful Tony Bellew can reinvent himself at heavyweight as the fighter who claimed the WBC title at cruiserweight will be no challenge for him. Haye, 36, locks horns with Bellew on March 4 at London’s O2 Arena and is supremely confident of victory over the Liverpool man, who moves up from his position as 200 pound ruler for the first time.
Bellew initially began his boxing career as a light-heavyweight, although Haye doesn’t see the weight being much of an issue as the Bermondsey man believes he has sufficient power to trouble any fighter in the world.
“I’m not really expecting anything different from Bellew at heavyweight, he may be a bit fatter. I’m just not sure what differences it’s going to make. I’m not sure if his punch resistance or power is going to be any better, I’m hoping it is. I also hope his technique is better and he improves everything really because the cruiserweight version of him is in for a swift, explosive knockout,” Haye told.
Asked whether Bellew tasting canvas on more than one occasion during his career gives him further assurances of a picking up the win, Haye was sceptical when stating: “I don’t think because he’s been down a few times makes a difference in this fight.
“I think I punch hard enough to knock anybody out if I hit them flush. And can he last twelve rounds if I hit him on the chin? – that’s the question. I personally don’t think so. No matter what he does for eleven rounds, even if he ran around, eventually I’m going to connect, and when I do its goodnight.”
The ‘Hayemaker’ has been reunited with trainer Shane McGuigan since Carl Frampton’s rematch with Leo Santa Cruz last month and Haye is delighted to be working day in, day out with the talented coach at his Miami base. “Shane’s been around since the day before the Frampton fight. We did our first workout on the 27th of January and I’ve been firing on all cylinders ever since,” he said.
