£7m cash ’n jab as Haye plans an early KO
DAVID HAYE and Tony Bellew have talked themselves into sharing a £7m fortune. And former WBA champion Haye has promised an early finish at the O2 tonight. The Londoner shouted to a fan that the fight will end in “round one or round two” after yesterday’s weigh-in. Haye
added: “Look at the shape of him. I’m a serious professional athlete. He is not. You can see the training I’ve done to get into this condition.
“He doesn’t pay the price in the gym. He likes to be at home at the weekends.”
Haye weighed in at 16st 9oz, while Bellew was 15st 3lbs 8oz.
The final face-off passed off without incident as both were kept apart by two security men.
But the money was already banked for this promotion thanks to constant trash talking which has captured the public’s attention and disgusted many. Tickets sold out in 15 minutes in November to bring in £2.5m, while 600,000 pay-TV sales are expected to be worth £10m.
A further £1m comes from foreign TV rights and sponsorship with £7m to be shared after costs. Haye is expected to have a bigger share, but it will be Bellew’s biggest purse.
Bellew said: “For me it was never about the money. It is about sending a message.
“When I beat this clown, I’m the most valuable heavyweight in the world outside the champions. I’ll also be the best cruiserweight this country has ever produced.”