Tony Bellew 'miles apart' in talks with David Haye about heavyweight rematch

By Richard Damerell

Friday 18 August 2017 10:58, UK

Tony Bellew has admitted he is "miles apart" in negotiations with David Haye over a heavyweight rematch.

Promoter Eddie Hearn issued a warning earlier this month that a proposed second fight between the British rivals was 'virtually dead' after they failed to agree terms.

And Bellew has dismissed hopes of a swift resolution as he believes Haye is refusing to soften his stance, despite suffering defeat at The O2 in March.

"Listen, in my opinion, we're miles apart," Bellew told Sky Sports. "People might say it's getting closer, we're miles apart. I'm not bending to any of his demands. It's just not happening whatsoever.

"I won the first fight. He's pretending like the first fight never happened. He can kiss my a***."

But 'The Bomber' understands the demand for a return bout with Haye, who ruptured his Achilles tendon in the sixth round.

"There is unfinished business because that injury robbed me of my total glory," said Bellew. "I still took a lot of glory from that victory.

"He hit me with the best he had in the first and second round. I hit him with the best I had.

"He couldn't take it, and I could. I slayed the 'Hayefaker'.

"If it needs to be done again, so be it. Make no mistake, David Haye does not define my career. I'm a world champion and I'm the boss now."

Bellew still holds a genuine dislike for his British rival, despite helping Haye back to his corner after the fight was waved off.

"Listen, I'll always respect him as an athlete, he's an amazing athlete, an amazing boxer," said Bellew.

"Have I ever respected him as a person? No.

"The only reason I paid him respect after the first fight was because he had just secured my family's future. That is why I was emotional after the fight. It had nothing really to do with him."