Tony Bellew - David Haye fight could be my last and I might not wake up

[Ruthless-RKO]

Bellew understands seriousness of occasion as he calls on Everton and Liverpool fans to unite in backing

Tony Bellew has admitted his upcoming heavyweight fight with David Haye could be his last, before calling on Liverpool and Everton fans to come together to welcome “the new sheriff in town”.

The two fighters – who will meet in the ring at London’s O2 arena on March 4 – came face to face for their first press conference on Wednesday.

Bellew accused Haye of “losing his marbles” after the London fighter appeared to punch his opponent when the two fighters squared up at the end of a spiteful verbal war in London.

Between them, the pair have gone the distance in only four of their last 21 fights and the Bellew is well aware of the gravity of the task he has taken on.

He told the ECHO: “Haye is already looking three fights after me but I don’t look beyond him. Boxing is a dangerous sport and this could be my last fight ever.

“This could be the last time I step between the ropes – I understand the seriousness of what’s involved.

Why is Bellew talking like this?

[Asterix]

I think he's just doing the usual, "I would die in the ring" thing. It's just talk. Don't read too much into it.

[TheCobra]

He just talks. And talks. And talks. Drivel. PR grabbing, opportunistic horrible man.

[boxingknockout]

Having said that, it's often said of fighters talking about retirement that mentally they have lost the edge to really go the extra yard in a fight and have lost already

[Killer Blow]

I expect him to retire afterwards. He knows he's out of his depth in his own division.

[Mimmy]

It wont be long before Creed 2 starts production (not confirmed) so im sure he wants his second bite at acting, then go on to making decent movies a few higher grades than Gary Stretch. Bellew will then go on to win a bafta or something, he doesnt need to box anymore after Haye. He can invest his money very well in property, im told over his way you can buy a 4 bedroom detached with driveway and garage for under £12k. Her's not a daft un you know.

[Boxerbeetle]

It's just Bellew being melodramatic as usual.

[bripez]

I think he's just doing the usual, "I would die in the ring" thing. It's just talk. Don't read too much into it.

Yep, just a variation of the "I am willing to go out on my shield" bollox.

In reality we all know that when faced with a live opponent he doesn't like it.

[nitro5912]

It is all preamble for his next step which is the I do this for my kids routine. He does it in every big fight.

I think when he does this stuff, it is him trying to convince himself that he is the likely winner, the never say die attitude. The 2 memorable occasions are cleverly 1 & Stevenson. He lost them both. He is better off working in the gym on avoiding a haye left hand rather than talking to the press urging Liverpool to unite. It isn't a split city

[Stevieb8006]

In reality we all know that when faced with a live opponent he doesn't like it.

I've find that criticism a bit harsh when he climbed off the canvas to win his world title. Plus cleverley WS a live opponent in their first encounter and bellew hardly folded, he took him to the wire.

[freddydoesdallas]

So the bully routine didn't work now he's playing the scared underdog routine

[boxingknockout]

So the bully routine didn't work now he's playing the scared underdog routine

[BitPlayer]

Maybe because multiple boxers have been seriously hurt this year?

[Syntax Error]

Bellew understands seriousness of occasion as he calls on Everton and Liverpool fans to unite in backing

Tony Bellew has admitted his upcoming heavyweight fight with David Haye could be his last, before calling on Liverpool and Everton fans to come together to welcome “the new sheriff in town”.

The two fighters – who will meet in the ring at London’s O2 arena on March 4 – came face to face for their first press conference on Wednesday.

Bellew accused Haye of “losing his marbles” after the London fighter appeared to punch his opponent when the two fighters squared up at the end of a spiteful verbal war in London.

Between them, the pair have gone the distance in only four of their last 21 fights and the Bellew is well aware of the gravity of the task he has taken on.

He told the ECHO: “Haye is already looking three fights after me but I don’t look beyond him. Boxing is a dangerous sport and this could be my last fight ever.

“This could be the last time I step between the ropes – I understand the seriousness of what’s involved.

Why is Bellew talking like this?

Tony Bellew is a very intelligent & articulate guy.

The way he acts detracts from that fact somewhat, but make no mistake, this man knows what he is talking about.

He is only saying that because he knows he has no chance of beating Haye.

He'll certainly give it go & he'll be a tougher test for Haye than De Mori & Arnold Whatshisname (not hard admittedly as my next door neighbour's cat could have KOd those two), but the moment David Haye pounces on Bellew, it will be all over.

[samwbr]

Couldn't give a flying fornicate what team any boxer supports, it bugs me that it gets brought into things more and more.

[pimp]

Couldn't give a flying eff what team any boxer supports, it bugs me that it gets brought into things more and more.

It's just what boxers do they do they call on the football bandwagon for support, Hatton did it to perfection and everyone follows suit, but besides that this is a total mismatch and once again the public are getting conned

[dirk2686]

Couldn't give a flying eff what team any boxer supports, it bugs me that it gets brought into things more and more.

It's just what boxers do they do they call on the football bandwagon for support, Hatton did it to perfection and everyone follows suit, but besides that this is a total mismatch and once again the public are getting conned

How are they getting conned? Everyone knows Bellew is a heavy outsider. Nobody is asking 'how can Haye win.' It's entirely the opposite.

Are the public getting conned when Man City vs Wycombe is on TV in the FA Cup? Or Murray in the first round at Wimbledon?

[Boxerbeetle]

Couldn't give a flying eff what team any boxer supports, it bugs me that it gets brought into things more and more.

It's just what boxers do they do they call on the football bandwagon for support, Hatton did it to perfection and everyone follows suit, but besides that this is a total mismatch and once again the public are getting conned

How are they getting conned? Everyone knows Bellew is a heavy outsider. Nobody is asking 'how can Haye win.' It's entirely the opposite.

Are the public getting conned when Man City vs Wycombe is on TV in the FA Cup? Or Murray in the first round at Wimbledon?

But Man City vs Wycombe wouldn't be promoted as competitive by a broadcaster trying to sell it for an extra 18 quid. That is the con.

[dirk2686]

It's just what boxers do they do they call on the football bandwagon for support, Hatton did it to perfection and everyone follows suit, but besides that this is a total mismatch and once again the public are getting conned

How are they getting conned? Everyone knows Bellew is a heavy outsider. Nobody is asking 'how can Haye win.' It's entirely the opposite.

Are the public getting conned when Man City vs Wycombe is on TV in the FA Cup? Or Murray in the first round at Wimbledon?

But Man City vs Wycombe wouldn't be promoted as competitive by a broadcaster trying to sell it for an extra 18 quid. That is the con.

Leaving the Ppv issue aside for a moment, it's painfully obvious that sky aren't selling this as a 50/50 fight. If you believe it is, (not 'you' but the general public), then you're an idiot. Bellew is a very obvious outsider.

For his faults haye sells these fights pretty honestly. Ruiz - boring. Audley - embarrassing. People want to see Haye go out and annihilate him to be fair.

[pimp]

How are they getting conned? Everyone knows Bellew is a heavy outsider. Nobody is asking 'how can Haye win.' It's entirely the opposite.

Are the public getting conned when Man City vs Wycombe is on TV in the FA Cup? Or Murray in the first round at Wimbledon?

But Man City vs Wycombe wouldn't be promoted as competitive by a broadcaster trying to sell it for an extra 18 quid. That is the con.

Leaving the Ppv issue aside for a moment, it's painfully obvious that sky aren't selling this as a 50/50 fight. If you believe it is, (not 'you' but the general public), then you're an idiot. Bellew is a very obvious outsider.

For his faults haye sells these fights pretty honestly. Ruiz - boring. Audley - embarrassing. People want to see Haye go out and annihilate him to be fair.

Come on this is a total mismatch, haye will knock him out with his jab

[TheGman]

Maybe because multiple boxers have been seriously hurt this year?

This is what i think he is talking about as if anything could happen in the ring not that he is planning to retire

[Like a Boss]

I think he's just doing the usual, "I would die in the ring" thing. It's just talk. Don't read too much into it.