We know Tony Bellew is literally willing to fight anybody except Anthony Joshua. Whether it be Tyson Fury or Joseph Parker, The Liverpudlian is ready. However, promoter Eddie Hearn believes that the most reasonable fight for Bellew would be a rematch against David Haye.
“Tony is up for the rematch and the biggest thing for him is getting the respect in the negotiations that he had to cower to in the first fight,” said Hearn in an interview with Sky Sports.
Though a key factor here is that Haye needs this fight more than Bellew, and Hearn knows it.
“Haye needs this fight badly, there is no other fight for him other than Tony Bellew. On the other hand, there are many fights for Tony, but it’s not a case of going to Haye and holding him to ransom,” told Hearn.
Luckily for ‘The Bomber’, the tables have now turned and there is a certain condition in order for this fight to happen.
“Very simply, Tony now wants the flip of that deal. He wants what David had last time, and vice versa. We were given the opportunity to fight Haye in a deal that Tony didn’t believe was fair, but ultimately I convinced him. We were glad we took that fight, but there were elements and aspects of that deal that were condescending,” explained Hearn.
So, is it the rematch against Haye or a WBO title fight against Joseph Parker?
“The public wants to see the rematch and although I believe Tony can beat WBO champion Joseph Parker and become heavyweight champion of the world, part of me wants the Haye rematch so that Tony can show he can win that fight without any excuses,” continued Hearn.
Haye is recovering from an Achilles injury and there is not a scheduled timetable for his return. If the rematch against Bellew comes to fruition, Hearn is looking at a date later this year.
“I think with David’s injury, although it looks like he might be ready for October/November, we leave it for December to make sure he is 110 per cent so that he can prove that to the fans in his preparation for the fight,” summarised Hearn.