I’ll fight any man but I wouldn’t cross my missus! says TONY BELLEW
TONY BELLEW reckons he is more scared of his missus than David Haye.
The WBC cruiserweight belt holder steps up to heavyweight for the first time tonight at the O2 Arena in London to take on the former WBA champion.
Haye has told the Scouser he is risking his life by getting in the ring with him, in a vile build-up topped by his claim he will “cave in” Bellew’s skull.
But Bellew, 34, isn’t getting any late jitters because he says there is more to fear at home from long-term partner Rachael, who he has dated since they were teenagers.
“I wouldn’t f***ing dare cross her, are you joking?” said Bellew. “I wouldn’t mess with her. She is not to be played with.
“I will say one thing, I fear no man. I don’t give a f*** about any man on this planet. I would fight any man. I tell you what though, I don’t go home to her with a penny short.”
Rachael is usually ringside and even got involved in a row with Haye when Bellew was facing BJ Flores late last year.
However, tonight she won’t even be watching, and neither will their kids Corey, 11, Cobey, 8, and Carter, 4. Bellew has packed them all off on holiday to Dubai and has banned the boys from social media to avoid Haye’s sick taunts.
“Kids shouldn’t be watching boxing,” said Bellew. “Bad things happen in boxing rings. This is why you don’t need a clown like him glamorising that.
Shamed
“That’s why I sent my kids away. My youngest boy watches Soccer AM and I didn’t allow him to last Saturday (when Haye was on) because this fella says things which are a disgrace.
“Soccer AM is a child-friendly programme and yet this guy is saying things like, ‘I’m going to cave your head in’. He takes things a step too far.
“He’s shamed himself. Make no mistake, the first thing I’m fighting for on Saturday night is my life. With him saying things like he’s going to try and end it, it is sad for boxing.”
Bellew, who has lost twice in 31 fights, insists his first priority is to be back home safe and sound in Liverpool when his family arrive home tomorrow.
His second is to have come out on top in his bitter battle with Haye, 36, and hand the Londoner his third career defeat.
“If anyone can make this guy go past four rounds, he knows he is f***ed,” said Bellew.
If he does upset the odds, then surely a nice gift, to reward himself, is on the cards?
“Do you know what? I’d love a Rolls Royce Wraith,” said Bellew. “I do love them.”
Not even a seven-figure pay-day will tempt him into splashing out on a fancy new motor worth £240,000, though, with the money already earmarked for his kids.
The closest Bellew might get to that Roller was when he cheekily posed beside Haye’s after Wednesday’s public workouts.
While Haye is happy to flaunt his wealth – he enjoyed a Miami
training camp, posed on a £27m yacht and flew via private jet – Bellew prepared by training in Rotherham.
“I could afford one now but, I’m going to be honest, I will never buy one,” he said of his dream car. “I’m not earning for me. I stopped earning for me when my first kid was born. I’m banking it for them.
“That’s where I differ from him. It’s not my money. I fight for the kids, I fight for Rachael.
“A treat? Maybe a pair of these,” Bellew added, pointing to his Christian Louboutin shoes. “I love these but they are very expensive. I might stretch to another pair.”
That’s if his boss at home lets him. ¬ÊHaye v Bellew is live on Sky Sports Box Office. Order now at skysports.com/hayebellew