David Haye and Tony Bellew sparked whispers of a potential trilogy exhibition after images of discussions went viral on social media.
Matchroom photographer Mark Robinson pictured Haye and Bellew in deep thought, leading to UK fans going into overdrive.
With the current fad of circus fights and “influencer boxing,” Haye vs Bellew III is one of the wilder ones to do the rounds of late.
Previously Bellew defeated Haye twice in Pay Per View events that surprisingly turned out to be completely one-sided in favor of the first-fight underdog.
As it turned out, Haye was wholly over the hill when he faced Bellew, which spawned questions over the validity of the PPV.
David Haye vs Tony Bellew saga
Bellew spoke exclusively to World Boxing News to address those derogatory comments.
“I heard about it. I haven’t really been on social media lately. But from me, it was never hyped from my point of view,” Bellew exclusively told World Boxing News.
“I was always very professional when I spoke to David. It only got unprofessional when he brought up my family.
“For me, it was only when he said he would leave me in a hospital bed. And I was going to be comatose, and my family would visit me in the hospital.
“That was when the terms got personal. It wasn’t before getting all that information from David that it was real for me.”
Remorse
Since the two epic battles, Haye has shown remorse for his actions and shocking words to Bellew.
“It was never from my point of view. The things he was saying, he might not have meant them, but he said them, and it was frank what he said,” he explained.
“He’s apologized since then, and it is what it is. But listen, it was every bit real for me.”
The two fights with Haye earned ‘Bomber’ a career-high payday, and his family’s future accounted for. Reliving the experience, Bellew looks back with pride.
“You could see on fight night when I got in the ring that it was real. We got the job done. I’m very happy.
“I’m 2-0 up over one of the greatest cruiserweights this country has ever produced. And one of the best heavyweights this country has ever produced. So I’m very happy with where it lies.
“And do I have any long-term nasty feelings towards David? Absolutely not, no. It was an absolute honor to share the ring with David Haye.
“I’m fortunate and privileged to have earned what I earned alongside David Haye,” Bellew concluded.
Since retiring, Haye fought an exhibition against his friend. Meanwhile, Bellew, 40, has stated his intentions to try landing a shot at the bridgerweight title.
