DAVID Haye threw a punch at Tony Bellew as the two went head-to-head at a heated press conference to promote their March 4 heavyweight fight.
The former WBA champion displayed an uncharacteristic lack of composure throughout, angrily insulting promoter Eddie Hearn and Bellew’s trainer David Coldwell, as well as his opponent.
“After I’ve taken out this guy, I’m gonna come back and take out Joshua and end your business,” he told Hearn.
Bellew never even saw it coming. He's in for a rough night #HayeBellew pic.twitter.com/fTUXQqYIXv
— Jason Hawkins (@jasonhawkins87) November 30, 2016
Haye had previously been involved in violence at a press conference when he brawled with Dereck Chisora in 2012 but on that occasion he felt provoked. He often cuts a well-prepared figure when appearing publicly; here his reaction to a routine shove from Bellew appeared the culmination of the intense pressure he seemed under.
The two were then separated by the numerous security guards present and ushered into different rooms, but only after having spent the previous 20 minutes trying to shout over each other.
Haye spent a good few minutes complaining about promoter Hearn, saying he managed to turn everything into “the Eddie Hearn show”. But after the fireworks at this press conference Hearn’s arguably in a stronger position than he was before…
Eddie Hearn after the #HayeBellew press conference… pic.twitter.com/wo8n0y1EX2
— Edward Mayes (@eljmayes) November 30, 2016
Wasn't interested in #HayeBellew. But after 15 minutes of the press conference I was set on ordering this. GRUDGE MATCH!
— Boxing Kingdom (@BoxingKingdom14) November 30, 2016
Bellew has been given little chance by most boxing fans, with Haye’s speed and technique expected to be the difference.
So David Haye is fighting Tony Bellew on 04.03.17. Who's your pick? #HayeBellew
— Lennox Lewis (@LennoxLewis) November 25, 2016
But if this presser is anything to go by, the Liverpudlian is in Haye’s head. And that could be his downfall.
TV gold #HayeBellew pic.twitter.com/ynBGvjChaN
— BigSport (@BigSportGB) November 30, 2016