Haye: Bellew thinks he knows what he’s up against but he really doesn’t

As the rematch between Tony Bellew and David Haye draws closer, it’s been pretty clear to see David Haye hiding the bitterness of his first loss under a think veil of calm composure. Haye talked himself up quite a bit leading into their first fight and for him to lose to an opponent he personally dislikes — achilles injury or not — it has clearly left a sour taste in his mouth.

Haye knows he needs to adopt a different promotional approach leading into this rematch, attempting to project a more humble persona — but with each Bellew tweak thrown his way you can see the screws turning on Haye.

During yesterday’s press conference Haye admits he let his personal emotions get the better of him the first time around, which did him no favors.

“I went in there angry with the wrong mentality, I wanted to do damage last time with no thought of gameplan or technical ability, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on his head, and it was totally the wrong mindset against someone like Bellew.

“Before was a weak imitation of me, a bad version, everything was off. This time around, I’m way back to where I need to be.”

“I know what I’m up against. He thinks he knows what he is up against but he really doesn’t.”

Haye would continue to say that it’s not just enough for him to squeak by Bellew, and that if he does manage to win but not look impressive in doing so, he knows it’ll be time to hang up the gloves for good.