FINAL BELL
Haye vs Bellew result: Tony Bellew beats David Haye again in fifth-round stoppage in O2 Arena rematch
The 35-year-old Liverpudlian followed up his win last year with another victory over his heavyweight rival at London's O2 Arena
DAVID HAYE was smashed into early retirement by Tony Bellew on Saturday night.
The one-time Liverpool doorman called time on the former world heavyweight champion’s career with a brutal barrage in the fifth.
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Scouser Bellew put the Hayemaker down twice in the third round and again in the fifth before referee Howard Foster stepped in to stop the fight.
Haye did not have a prayer against a fired-up and emotional Bellew, who took command of this rematch from the first bell.
At the finish Bellew, 35, was in tears after backing up his 11th-round stoppage of Haye last March.
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Bellew said: “I just want to say I lost my brother-in-law in August and I swear to God he was watching me and he was there with me tonight for every punch.
“Ashley, that was for you. I miss him so much. I’m broke. All week I’ve been on my own in the hotel and each night I’ve cried.”
After destroying Haye, Bellew had kind words for his vanquished opponent, whose diminishing speed left him vulnerable to the Everton fan’s crushing power.
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Bellew added: “David Haye is an amazing fighter, he just got caught in a slugfest. He’s a great fighter, he has got crazy power but speed and power always decreases.
“He is a legend, a credit to the sport and I’m just happy I’ve got the win against the odds.”
Haye has always said that even if he won he would consider retiring if he did not look good.
Well Haye delivered another stinker — and now there is nowhere for him to go other than the retirement home.
But he said: “Is this the end? I don’t know. It didn’t feel that good in there tonight and I will have to review the tapes to see exactly what went wrong.
“Tony boxed a great fight. He did some really clever stuff. He boxed really good. I didn’t, plain and simple. He had a great game plan and I had no answer. I enjoyed the battle as tough as it was. We are a similar stature and that’s why we put on a great fight.
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“Tony Bellew, I take my hat off to him. We were going for the knockout and we gave you fireworks and I’m glad we gave everyone a good fight and a good night.
“You have to let your fists do the talking. It didn’t go my way even though I’m fully healthy. I’m taking nothing away from Tony Bellew. He was the better man.”
This grudge rematch was not just about bragging rights but two fighters determined to inflict as much damage as their fists could generate.
One round, 12 rounds, it did not matter as long as pain and hurt were dished out in equal measure.
Haye, an ‘old man’ of the ring at 37 wanted to prove he could defy his age by rolling back the years — and recapture the glory that made him a two-weight world champion.
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Former world cruiserweight king Bellew’s aim was to demonstrate that he deserved to be talked of in the same breath as Haye. A Haye who never gave him the respect he craved in March last year when the 11th-round stoppage sent shockwaves around the fight world.
Bellew was determined to make a statement that his first win over Haye was not just down to his rival ripping his Achilles.
Those who asked whether Bellew could win the lottery twice were not paying enough respect to a real fighting man.
Haye was booed on his way to the ring, while Bellew too got some stick before he climbed through the ropes to his usual Z Cars theme tune.
Bellew tried to land the first big shot with a swinging overhand right but Haye moved smartly out of range and got the crowd going with a short sharp right but it lacked real power.
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Trailer for huge David Haye vs Tony Bellew bout shows the eventful history between the two
In the second, Haye unsuccessfully tried to cut the ring off and force Bellew on to the ropes. Both were giving plenty of respect but Haye landed the heavier shots although Bellew took them well, holding his arms outstretched as if to say, ‘Is that all you’ve got?’
The crowd were impatient for the third, screaming for more action — and they got what they demanded as Bellew unleashed a thunderous short right that dropped Haye.
He was up but down again in the shadow of the bell to end a blistering third round. Haye took a fearful battering from Bellew in the fourth and did well to hang on.
With the fight barely into the fifth, Haye needed a miracle KO to take care of Bellew.
But the Scouser battered the Londoner and Haye was out on his feet when Foster stepped in.
It was a sad end but there was no escaping the harsh truth... Haye’s best days are history.
WALLY DOWNES' ROUND-BY-ROUND VERDICT FROM RINGSIDE
1: Bellew took the opener with brilliant double jabs that almost always landed. They didn't do damage but they scored points. Haye loaded up with a late right hand but bomber shrugged it off. Bellew 10-9
2: Haye got the crowd on their feet with three right hands, nothing concussive but they landed and Bellew's jab from the opener disappeared. Haye 10-9
3: Bomber started boxing cleverly in and out of range and then BANG he dropped Haye twice within seconds and the Londoner was almost finished Bellew 10-8
4: Everything Bellew throws causes Haye problems, the former heavyweight champ looks out on his feet, he is survival mode clinging on to his career. Bellew 10-9
5: Bomber is landing with jabs and big shots. Haye down again worth a beautiful left hand and that's the end of that. Bellew 10-8
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