David Haye is promising he'll hurt Tony Bellew when the two meet on March 4.
During a recent press conference, Haye hints at punishing Bellew a la Ivan Drago to Apollo Creed in Rocky IV, saying that Bellew is risking his life by stepping into the ring against Haye.
“He’s risking his life. This isn’t about his career, his life is on the line," Haye said. "People say I shouldn’t say this or it’s harsh but it’s the truth. How much more can I say? I’m in the ring with him with 10oz gloves on for 36 minutes, I’m allowed to punch him in his head. If you think he will be OK after this fight then I’m sure you can get good odds on that.”
Bellew, who is the WBC cruiserweight champion, is moving up to heavyweight to take the fight against Haye. The blood feud started when Bellew delivered a quick performance back on October 15, 2016 in his first defense as the WBC champion when he scored a TKO victory against BJ Flores in the third round. Bellew then walked towards Haye, who was attending the fight, and yelled "I'm the champion" in his direction.
What followed were brawls breaking out at press conferences and talks between the two fighters wanting to hurt each other to the point of retirement. The British Boxing Board of Control had already been told both men to lay off the aggressive approach in the build up to the fight with it's chief Robert Smith saying the board will bring in Haye for a hearing on his comments.
