We go again.
David Haye will get the opportunity to avenge his most recent defeat, against one of his fiercest rivals, as confirmation has arrived of the rematch with Tony Bellew this winter.
After a lengthy negotiation process, Bellew vs. Haye II has officially been announced for December 17.
The British foes will return to the scene of their first encounter, London’s O2 Arena, with Haye hoping to prove that his defeat in March came as a direct result of the Achilles injury he picked up midway through the bout.
THE REMATCH IS ON!!! @TonyBellew v @mrdavidhaye Sunday 17th December @TheO2 @SkySportsBoxing 💥🇬🇧 Tickets on pre sale weds – Gen sale Friday! pic.twitter.com/rqZsayAK5Q
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) September 29, 2017
Bellew, meanwhile, can put an end to the rivalry for good if he gets past a fully fit Haye when they share the ring once again.
“I will have the exact same attitude I had going into the first fight – win at all costs,” Bellew told Sky Sports. “I will be victorious on December 17 and I will end David Haye’s career. Another loss to me closes the curtain on the Hayemaker.
“This isn’t personal anymore, it’s strictly business. This is just another fight. My world has been put into perspective in the last four weeks, it’s been the toughest four weeks of my family’s lives and I will dedicate my victory on December 17 to my late brother-in-law.
“He [Haye] knows how the first fight went. After five rounds, I had him 3-2 up – my plan was never to start strong, as David is a front-runner. He’s dangerous early but he tires quickly and he doesn’t get stronger down the stretch. He’s another year older, the body is more worn and he won’t be able to live with a younger, fresher and more active fighter. He just can’t sustain the tempo and pace once we go past three or four rounds.
“It’s a very dangerous fight but I am looking forward to it. I love The O2 and I wanted the fight to be there. I call the shots this time.”
Haye has spent the past five months recovering from the injury which many felt could force him into retirement and he believes that he can make it 1-1 against ‘The Bomber’ come December, with the rematch scheduled to be broadcast on Sky Sports Box Office.
“I’m excited to give the public the rematch they truly crave, ever since the explosive first showdown earlier this year,” Haye said.
“On March 4, the script was thrown out the window and the unpredictability of sport revealed itself in its most raw form. Without question, ‘The Bomber’ showed great heart, grit and determination to weather the early storm. Credit to him, that he’s willing to step back into the lion’s den and do it all over again.
“He somehow won the lottery in our first fight, but believe me, he won’t win the lottery twice.
“I’ve been training every day for over six months. I already feel fitter, stronger and more athletic than I did for our first showdown! On December 17, I will relish the opportunity to re-write the ending of the Haye-Bellew story.”
