There were ugly scenes at a press conference to promote their 2017 heavyweight showdown as David Haye threw a punch at Tony Bellew yesterday
British boxers David Haye (left) and Tony Bellew clash during a press conference in London yesterday. Pic/AFP
British boxers David Haye (left) and Tony Bellew clash during a press conference in London yesterday. Pic/AFP
London: There were ugly scenes at a press conference to promote their 2017 heavyweight showdown as David Haye threw a punch at Tony Bellew yesterday.
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The British rivals, who will go head-to-head in London on March 4, had to be separated having spent the previous 20 minutes trying to shout over each other.
Former world champion Haye, 36, also insulted promoter Eddie Hearn and Bellew's trainer David Coldwell. He and Bellew, the WBC cruiserweight champion who is stepping up to heavyweight for the first time, exchanged barbs before Bellew shoved Haye and they nearly came to blows.
Bellew had accused Haye of struggling financially. "You could be fighting for the heavyweight championship of the world, but you're fighting me," said the 34-year-old Bellew. "And you know why? For the money. You're skint."
Haye fired back: "Let's see who's round your hospital bed on March 4. You're putting this guy in such a dangerous situation. I end the fight when I want. It's completely up to me, you've got no say."