Tony Bellew told David Haye to STOP during their gruelling fight after fearing for the Hayemaker’s safety after he sustained an Achilles injury
TONY BELLEW told David Haye and his trainer Shane McGuigan to stop midway through the gruelling fight after fearing for his opponent's safety.
The Hayemaker rolled his ankle in the sixth round, which led to him receiving heavy strapping during the fight before his corner threw in the towel during the 11th round.
After damaging his Achilles at the O2 Arena, the 36-year-old was taken to hospital to assess his injuries and is set to undergo surgery.
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Bellew had nothing but respect for Haye, who showed tremendous bravery and courage, but also insisted he urged the former world champion to stop.
The Liverpudlian said: "Just before the stoppage I looked at David and said 'stop now'.
"He shook his head. He went beyond the call of duty.
"I looked at Shane McGuigan [Haye's trainer] and said 'stop it'. I was worried as he couldn't box."
He added: "In rounds four and five he was tired but he was blocking, when we got to nine, I felt myself on top of him and I could feel him panicking.
"I said, 'stop, stop' and he said 'no'. He gets a lot of admiration from me from a sportsman's perspective."
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After Haye had showed great bravery, the former world champion was respectful to Bellew after the heated build up to the fight.
The Hayemaker said: "Tony is a great fighter, I was training great and wanted a demolition job but he has a heart of a lion.
"I have knocked out bigger people with a lot less so I take my hat off to him.
"I believe I am more gifted but he has a bigger heart, I'd love to do it again.
"I've never been in a fight like that before and if the fans want to see it again I'd loved to do it, in Manchester, Liverpool, wherever he wants to do it.
"He's the man, he beat me fair and square. If I want my stripes back I have to go past this guy, I have to go past him if I want to fight for world honours.
"I'm at his mercy, there's no rematch clause, but if the fans want it we can make it happen."