“He’s Far Better Fighter…”: Tony Bellew Uses Manchester United Example to Make Major Claim About His Two Fights Against David Haye

Tony Bellew believes that David Haye is a better fighter than him. Many would find this strange because Bellew had managed to defeat Haye twice via knockouts. Still, the Liverpool native explained how he keeps Haye on a higher pedestal than himself while using a football analogy. In a series of high-stakes clashes, former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew secured victories over former cruiserweight and heavyweight champion David Haye at London’s O2 Arena in 2017 and 2018.

In the first fight, Haye suffered an Achilles injury in the sixth round which heavily hampered his movement. This resulted in him getting knocked out in the 11th round. In the rematch, Bellew again managed to knock him out but this time, he managed to do it in just five rounds. Despite overcoming the champion two times consecutively, Bellew still hasn’t lost his respect for ‘Hayemaker’.

Tony Bellew on David Haye being a better fighter

Tony Bellew is currently participating in a reality TV show, named ‘I’m a Celebrity‘, and that’s where he talked about David Haye. Bellew provided a glimpse into his remarkable career, highlighting a pivotal turning point when he faced Haye and catapulted his financial fortunes. Bellew candidly shared that he was financially struggling, even describing himself as ‘skint,’ before engaging in his first bout with the heavyweight boxer.

Despite securing victories in both matches against Haye, Bellew acknowledged his rival as the ‘better fighter’ and roped in the giants of English soccer, Manchester United and Liverpool to prove his point. He said, “I’ve fought David twice and I’ve beaten him twice, but he’s a far better fighter than me. If Liverpool or Manchester United lose to Wrexham, does that make Wrexham better than Liverpool or Manchester United?”

A few months ago, Bellew also revealed that he really put his life at stake during his fight with Haye. He believed that he could die from the immense punching power of his opponent.

Bellew signed a will before fighting Haye

Ahead of his first clash with David Haye, Tony Bellew candidly shared the depth of his concerns, revealing that he entered the ring with the genuine fear that he could potentially face a fatal outcome. Bellew took proactive measures to ensure the well-being of his partner, Rachel, and their children. So, he visited a solicitor and signed the will, mainly because he wasn’t yet married to his wife.

He explained, “I knew full well he could have killed me that night because he was the one fighter powerful and ­dangerous enough to kill me.” Then he talked about how his wife wouldn’t get any of his money since they weren’t married yet. He also said, “I was walking to the ring thinking that could happen.”

Read More: 5 Years After Retirement, Tony Bellew Teases Potential Comeback

Tony Bellew always saw Haye as a superior fighter, and even after defeating him, the feeling hasn’t gone away even to this day. What are your thoughts about this? Let us know in the comments section.

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