David Haye has vowed to push the pace and “test the heart” of Tony Bellew when the two rivals trade blows this Saturday night.
Haye and Bellew were both lighter on the scales at Friday’s weigh-in as they met face-to-face for the final time ahead of their return fight.
In that first clash, 14 months ago, Haye valiantly fought on with a ruptured Achilles until his corner mercifully threw the towel in during the 11th round.
Now, the hard-hitting Londoner wants to turn the tables, saying exclusively to Sky Sports: “This time, I want to test Tony Bellew’s heart.
“Bellew is going to need gas and something heavy in the tank, I’ll drag him into the later rounds and push the pace.
“I proved my heart last time, now I want to see Tony Bellew’s heart.
“He thinks I’ve made a mistake in taking this fight, I disagree, I told him I’m a very different fighter to who he fought last time.
“This time, whatever he says bounces off me, I will do my talking in the ring.”
‘The Hayemaker’ is adamant that he is in the best physical shape possible after a “disciplined” camp.
“I knew my weight would be lighter, I feel healthy. I just wanted to make sure I’m fast, accurate and ready for battle.
“I’ve been disciplined, no cheat meals, I’m here in prime condition. All the sacrifices people take for granted, I’ve cut them all out.
“My body has held up in training way better than before. I can do things I couldn’t do for many years.
“People will see a prime David Haye, I’m ready for war!”
Despite Haye’s assurances, Bellew resolutely believes his foe will be no different to last year’s battle and ‘Bomber’ is confident that age and physicality will be the deciding factor.
“The scales were a bit heavy, but no problem, weight is just a number.
“He really thinks I didn’t get in the ring with the real David Haye last time. Someone please show me who I was facing?
“With those muscles, those fantastic abdominals, that sharp haircut, those big pectorals – I’m sure it was him and it will be him tomorrow night!
“When you get in the ring, you revert to type. He is a power athlete, he has no endurance levels.
“The only thing that’s getting dragged out is your shoulder, it is me hitting you with body shots. Your 37-year-old body can’t survive what my body can.
“He will always have that big power punch, but he does not have the timing, speed and elusiveness that he had in his younger days.”
