David Haye: ‘I’m at Tony Bellew’s mercy – I can’t think of world title fights now’
David Haye hailed Tony Bellew’s performance and admitted that he had ‘never been in a fight like that before’ after suffering an eleventh round defeat at London's O2 Arena.
After a back-and-fourth start to the fight, Haye ventured beyond the fifth round for the first time in five years. His right ankle appeared to give way, what would later transpire to be a ruptured Achilles injury according to reports.
The Liverpudlian was competing at the heavyweight level for the first time in his career, and began to tire as the fight dragged on into the eleventh.
Finally, Bellew was crowned the victor after sending Haye tumbling for the second time.
Reacting to his defeat – one which leaves 34-year-old Haye’s boxing future in doubt – the Hayemaker made no excuse in what was a vast contrast to the pre-fight animosity shared between the two fighters.
"I did not expect him to have the chin and the durability that he has,” Haye told Sky Sports. “Bellew, by far, was the better fighter tonight...
"I believe I’m more gifted but he had a bigger heart tonight. He took my best shots, got back up, and put me down.
"I’ve never been in a fight like that before. He’s the man.
"I'm at his mercy - I can't think of world titles now."
Reflecting on his victory, Bellew was equally humble.
"David, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, because he could have picked a lot of different guys.
"It was genuine people. I have got so much respect for David as a fighter. We can do it again."
