I’ll retire Bellew, says Haye

THE bitter war of words between heavyweight rivals David Haye and Tony Bellew continues to rage.

The pair will draw a line under months of verbal sparring next weekend when they clash at the O2 Arena. And yesterday Londoner Haye, 36, claimed: ‘He won’t be boxing after March 4.

‘There are a lot of fighters who, when I fight them, stay hit forever and never fight again. He will be on that list.

‘I’d be surprised if he’s granted a licence after I do what I do to him. It’s a good thing he’s going to get a big payday for this because his WBC title will be a bit wasted.’

Bellew (above), 34, responded in kind and, while acknowledging that his rival is a ‘brilliant’ fighter, said: ‘If I saw David Haye in the street, I’d f****** eat him alive. I’ve got something inside me that won’t stop. ‘I’m not claiming to be some bad man or dangerous pyscho, that’s just the way I’m wired. ‘I was fighting with grown men on a nightclub door at the age of 15.’

Promoter Eddie Hearn has ordered the two fighters to avoid any more pre-fight controversy.

David Haye v Tony Bellew is exclusively live on Sky Sports Box Office.