So it’s almost time for the old warriors to go head to head again!
Last time, David Haye had to tape up his body rather than tape up his gloves to take on his bitter rival, Tony Bellew.
‘The Hayemaker’ and his injury-ravaged body succumbed in the 11th round when they clashed last March at the O2.
This time he insists it’s going to be different, though of course he would say that, while ‘The Bomber’ is predicting another Liverpool triumph.
But what do the experts think? Punch-lines have asked the great and good of North-East boxing for their predictions, read on.
If you need a venue to watch the action, there is the Cavalier in Silksworth, Sunderland, or JD’s on Northumberland Street in Horden, the former Horden rugby club, now the home of Box Clever. It is, of course, available in your own home via Sky Box Office, who show the action, live and exclusive from the O2.
Here we go:
Andrew Buchanan: HAYE stoppage, middle rounds. I think Bellew might get a bit to comfortable and leave himself open a lot more this fight with a bit more belief he can take Haye’s big shots. I think if Haye’s body holds up it’s a case of a good big ‘un beating a good little ‘un
Glenn Foot: BELLEW points
Martin Ward: HAYE stoppage, but if he fails to land, like the last fight, Bellew could win on points
Peter Cope Snr: HAYE stoppage, 6 rounds
Steve Wraith: BELLEW points. I really see Bellew winning this although a fully fit Haye without an injury should win by KO
Darren Surtees: HAYE stoppage
Warren Baister: HAYE stoppage, I would say it will be a cagey fight because of how desperate each of them will want to win, I’ll go for a late stoppage, possible points.
Neil Fannan: HAYE stoppage
Tom Hill: HAYE points. I can see it going the distance and Haye getting the win, but I’ll be a happy man if Bellew stops him!
Joe Maphosa: HAYE stoppage
Dave Garside: HAYE late stoppage, possibly points
Tom Whitfield: BELLEW points. Haye is not the fighter he was and too injury prone
George Feeney: HAYE stoppage
Luke Cope: BELLEW points, very close decision
Billy Hardy: HAYE stoppage, I went for Bellew last time but Haye looks very serious
Mal Gates: HAYE stoppage. Haye looks fit , I think this time he may be too mobile and outpoint Tony or stop him late on.
Phil Jeffries: If it goes past seven, BELLEW, but before seven I’d have to go HAYE
Chris Burton: HAYE stoppage inside 6 rounds.
Reece McAllister: BELLEW points
Peter Cope Jnr: BELLEW stoppage 6 rounds
Paul Gidney: HAYE points
Sam Menzies: BELLEW stoppage 9th round
Imran Naeem: HAYE points. Last time I picked David Haye and it seemed everything was going to plan until his body failed him. If Haye’s body can withstand the rigours of a hard 12-round fight I pick him to win via points decision.
Nigel Wright: HAYE stoppage, 4-5 rounds. Haye just seems more focused and serious this time and is a way much better fighter than that gobshite
Richard O’Neill: HAYE. I can’t really look past Haye this time.
Jordan Ellison: HAYE stoppage. I think it will be a slow start and Haye will look to just tire Bellew in the early rounds then start to load up in the second half and catch him.
Adam Cope: HAYE stoppage. Haye looks in good shape and I think both men in there prime Haye is a better fighter. For me this will be Haye’s last big glory night.
Kevin Bennett: HAYE Stoppage fifth round.
Alan Temple: BELLEW stoppage late on. I picked Tony the first time round and think he has this again. Haye has a puncher’s chance but see another late stoppage from the better all-round boxer
Neil Conlon: HAYE stoppage
Liam Dineen: BELLEW. You have to go with Tony, Haye could do nowt with him in the first fight.
Gary Barr: BELLEW points. It will be a different Haye this time mind. But if he can’t get Bellew out by 6/7, Bellew wins.
Anthony Nelson: ON THE FENCE! I think both fighters are coming in with different attitudes than the previous fight. Having said that I must question if David Haye has still got it? I think he might now be past it. I can’t see it going the distance and either man could win it
Poll: Roy Kelly. Picture: Lawrence Lustig/ Matchroom
