Promoter Eddie Hearn said it loud and clear in front of the media while sitting right next to David Haye himself. He doesn’t believe Haye has ‘it’ anymore. To put it bluntly, Hearn thinks Haye is a ‘has been’ boxer who nearing towards the end.
He made the same point across after the press conference but in a more detailed manner.
“David has always had that aura of a superstar and I just don’t feel it anymore. I think that one of Haye’s best attributes is his confidence and belief to fight like that. I feel so confidently that Tony Bellew is going to beat him again.
Haye “They call me The Hayemaker for a reason” HMHQ #HayeBellew2
— David Haye (@davidhaye) February 21, 2018
“People talk about the power, ‘The Hayemaker’, Bellew took the power, he took the shots and he still kept coming. I just think that Haye’s confidence must be low. Confidence in his body, confidence in his boxing ability and his timing and power. All the things that used to make him so tough to beat I don’t think he has that anymore. Bellew’s confidence is at an all-time high. He thinks he’s unbeatable but he knows the dangers of David Haye,” said Hearn to Boxing Social.
When asked about the fight itself, Hearn said it will be different this time around but eventually, he expects Haye and Bellew to ‘go at it again.’
“It’s a really good match-up and I think Haye will box a different fight this time. He’ll try and set traps and he’ll try to counter, he’ll more of the back foot whereas last time he was gung-ho. He thought all he had to do was hit Bellew on the chin and it was over. I think technically you will get a much better fight this time but as it opens up down the stretch they are just gonna go at it again,” explained Hearn.
Morallee: “Haye isn’t inspired by animosity, he is inspired to become World Champion again. He focused on May 5th, he is focused on once again becoming World Champion” HMHQ #HayeBellew2
— David Haye (@davidhaye) February 21, 2018
Unlike in previous press conferences, Haye was a bit more subtle on Wednesday even though he did say that he’s gunning for a ‘violent knockout.’ But it was still a tamed version compared to the David Haye of past years.
“Is it a humble David Haye or is it someone who is trying to control his emotions? I’m pretty sure the likes of Ismael Salas [Haye’s trainer] will say to David ‘stay calm in this press conference’, I think he’s been told to do that. Last time he boxed of emotions and he was sloppy and he was angry and made a lot of mistakes. This time he knows the qualities of Tony Bellew and he has to be sharp. He has to have the right gameplan,” told Hearn.
“It’s going to be a tougher fight for Tony Bellew but when the going gets tough I always fancy Bellew in a scrap,” predicted the promoter.
READ MORE:
David Haye has a new approach for the rematch
Tony Bellew reveals a bit of his gameplan for David Haye rematch
Eddie Hearn earmarks Andre Ward as Tony Bellew’s next opponent?