Haye, 35, has agreed a co-promotion with Matchroom Boxing (with Hearn taking the lead) to face Bellew on March 4 at his O2 Arena home and the obvious strain between the pair reared its head verbally on Wednesday.
“Everything is ‘The Eddie Hearn Show’ and this fight gives me the opportunity to shut his big mouth,” said Haye. ‘Here we go, apples and pears’ – jumping and clowning around – it’s not ‘The Eddie Hearn Show’.
Hearn replied: ‘You’re the only person who loves the sound of their own voice more than me. That’s the truth.’
The former two-weight world champion responded: “It’s a bout Haye versus Bellew!”
Haye was then accused of not wanting to relieve control of promoting his own fight as Hearn asked: ‘How much does it kill you that I’m promoting this fight? – You’re power hungry, a power freak, that’s what you are. You need the money!’
As Bellew attempted to speak, Haye then made a bold prediction.
“I can’t wait to see the look on your face when I destroy your boy (Bellew) and then I’ll be coming back to take out (Anthony) Joshua.”
Punches have already been thrown between Haye and Bellew three months out from fight night, which should add more spice to an already simmering build-up.
