Why The Bellew/Hayes Rematch Promises To Be A Much Better Contest

Boxers aren’t always renowned for grace and humility in the lead-up to fights, particularly bouts with high stakes and deep pressure.  In the prefix to David Haye’s and Tony Bellew’s initial fight in March this year though, the preamble lingered with distinct disdain. The lack of respect was beyond an expected rivalry littered with verbal jabbing and digs; it was brimming with vitriol.

A poorly hosted Sky Sports interview in the build-up to the initial meeting, was little short of pathetic. Presenting themselves as stoic to begin with, it collapsed into an immature name-calling squabble, in which neither men showed much respect for each other, themselves, nor their audience.  Most relevantly though, there was little of substance. Futile and hostile and hot air.

Weeks before the heavyweight clash in the O2, the two came face to face this time, in Liverpool. Hayes called the Liverpool crowd “f***ing retards”. The tone of the build-up reached a nadir. What had been distasteful was now swimming in contempt, drowning in the worst of taste.

Why? A litany of variables. The usual showmanship, psychological warfare, self-promotion and ego. But there was something more at play here. It could, very well have been rooted in fear.  Bellew was stepping up to heavyweight for the first time. True he would carry more power himself; but he had to be ready for what he would be on the receiving end of, in terms of the increased intensity and weight of the punches he would receive.  And for Haye, he had the pressure of being the favourite, knowing Bellew could ride the punches, even if it had been at a lesser weight up until that point.

Either way, in their bullishness, both men showed they were vulnerable. Not that vulnerability is a weakness. It’s not, and addressing it certainly isn’t either. But masking it with aggression, only allows it to unfurl.

That’s why it’s interesting to see the dynamics this time round. Partly, it could be because the men both now know, the fight can hinge on an element of luck. Haye suffered a ruptured achilles in the sixth round in March. His footwork was irrevocably altered and obviously, he struggled as a result. His marginal dominance dwindled and when the towel was thrown in, Bellew didn’t want to celebrate with the same gusto as his corner, physically removing a hyper Eddie Hearn from his shoulders as he made his way to Haye.

Boxers embracing post-fight is nothing new. But in a battle of raw attrition and fortitude like this (Bellew broke his hand early in the second round) it’s not uncommon for a bond to form. Bonds don't necessarily equate to friendship, but a connection was clearly made in that moment.

This time round, the fighter’s narrative has changed considerably. This time the talk is less underpinned by ill-will and more focused inwardly on both sides. Haye now speaks as to how he must raise his game, have his mental preparation in place and be tactically astute.

Bellew further reflected the shift in approach saying “This isn't personal anymore, it's strictly business. This is just another fight.”  Coupled with the passing of his brother-in-law – to whom he has said he will dedicate victory – Bellew now shows maturity and perspective.  And respect.

The focus now, is on the fight; not a sideshow. With energies focused on that alone, the return is the potential of a world-class fight. No melodrama, no soap opera on the side. Just a fight between two fine athletes who have learnt that lacking respect – in all its forms – achieves little.