BRITISH RIVALS TONY Bellew and David Haye have agreed to a re-fixed second installment of their heavyweight grudge match for 5 May in London’s O2 Arena.
The British rivals were forced to postpone their panned second fight for this month after Haye siffered a “freak” bicep injury.
Former light-heavyweight and cruiserweight Bellew stepped up to the heavyweight class to hand former world champion Haye just the third defeat of his career last March.
But Haye fought for five of their 11 rounds with a ruptured Achilles leading to more questions than answers and leaving many hoping for a rematch.
There was plenty of bad blood between the pair in the build-up to the first fight and Bellew is hoping to inflict another defeat on Haye to effectively end his career.
“I’m pleased to get a new date in the diary and I look forward to giving boxing fans a great night on May 5,” Bellew told Sky Sports today.
“To be honest I was looking forward to a great victory in December and a relaxing family break over Christmas, but my mind is still very much on this fight and I will punish him for that.
“I now have a very clear plan for 2018 and that is to knock out David Haye, and then knock out Tyson ‘Stavros Flatley’ Fury and end both their careers.
“But first thing’s first, I need to rid the sport of David Haye on May 5 and I look forward to doing this in what I believe will be an explosive fight.”
Haye admitted he was “heartbroken” to miss the December showdown.
“Tony has boasted that the rematch gives him the opportunity to force me into retirement,” said Haye. “Unquestionably, I step into the ring on Saturday May 5, with both my career and legacy on the line.
“After my freak accident down a stairwell last month, I was heartbroken not to give everyone the ending to 2017 I wanted. Since then I had to accept the cards I had been dealt, remain positive and focus on factors which are within my control; rehabilitation and rescheduling the fight.
“Over the past five years, I’ve had a number of challenges to overcome, but learnt often during times of adversity we learn and grow. As a result, come May 5, Tony will be faced with a more experienced and more determined opponent.
“On Saturday May 5, whether you are lucky enough to witness the showcase live, or tune in from home on Sky Sports Box Office, you will not be disappointed. I will give fans the ending I have promised.
“In 2018, ‘The Hayemaker’ will be back and I will once again give fans the biggest, most explosive, blockbuster fight nights they deserve.”
The bout will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Box Office.
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