Bellew predicts he’ll beat Haye once more

Tony Bellew believes one of the fundamental differences between himself and David Haye is his win-at-all-costs mentality as he plots to upset the odds once again on May 5.

Bellew was an overwhelming underdog going into last year’s first grudge encounter but was ahead on all three of the judges’ scorecards when he stopped his heavyweight rival in the 11th round at London’s O2 Arena.

The victory was slightly soured as Haye visibly struggled after rupturing an Achilles tendon midway through the fight, and the former cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion is the favourite to gain revenge when they meet again at the same venue next Saturday.

Asked what his motivation is ahead of the rematch, Bellew said: “The plan is just to do it again and win at all costs. That’s the difference between me and him – you will see when we get to a certain level it’s just win at all costs. I just have to win. I’m not someone who can come home and accept losing.”

The build-up to their first bout was marred by controversy, with Haye fined £25,000 by the British Boxing Board of Control after admitting his comments brought boxing into disrepute.

Haye has adopted a respectful tone in recent months but Bellew has scoffed at suggestions he is a changed man.

Bellew said: “He’s about as humble as Madonna. David wasn’t humbled, he’s just got humble pie on his face because what he said, he didn’t do whereas everything I said did.”

Tony Bellew