Tony Bellew has options.
Bellew caused a massive upset with his victory over David Haye last Saturday at the O2 Arena in London. Few gave the Liverpudlian much chance in the bout, his first at heavyweight, against the powerful Haye.
However, Bellew hung in there, and was able to capitalise on the Achilles injury to Haye in the sixth round.
The 34-year-old knocked his opponent from the ring in the 11th round, and despite his valiant attempt to fight on, Haye’s corner threw in the towel.
Warning, this is a graphic image… https://t.co/r3ZQa4sknz
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) March 9, 2017
It wasn’t a classic, but it was a memorable bout, which made both men a lot of money, and opened up new opportunities for Bellew in the heavyweight division.
The WBC cruiserweight champion said immediately following the fight that he wants to fight Deontay Wilder, the WBC champion, next. His promoter Eddie Hearn said Joseph Parker, the WBO heavyweight champion, is another option.
Bellew also admitted he could even retire, and has, until now, made little mention of fighting Haye again. He has called him an “absolute scumbag” for his comments before the fight, though.
Bellew has reignited the war of words with Haye… https://t.co/WQYesUfvhS
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) March 9, 2017
However, Bellew has admitted that he would be open to a rematch with Haye, an admission that will surprise few, given the hype that surrounded their first bout and the money earned by both men.
The Liverpudlian predicted that he would win the potential bout.
“Still a brilliant fighter. Still very fast, still very powerful,” Bellew said about Haye, when discussing his next potential opponent with Sky Sports.
“Would I fight him again? Yeah, and I would beat him again as well.
“I could potentially get him out earlier, because he will show me a lot more respect this time. I won’t have to gain and earn his respect, like I did in the first fight. It takes time to do that.”
"I’ve never had that nemesis, and maybe I've found it" https://t.co/sXr5cLM6QT
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) March 9, 2017
Haye has made it patently clear that he’s itching for a rematch when he recovers from his injury, and even said he’d be open to a third fight if the rematch was to happen.
“It was a great fight. I’d love the opportunity to give the fans that again,” Haye said.
“He said he’d do it again. If he gives me a rematch, I’ll give him a rubber match. I’ve never had that nemesis, and maybe I’ve found it. Maybe Tony Bellew is my Benn-Eubank.”
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