Tuesday 5 December 2017 16:57, UK
Tony Bellew has admitted his absence from the ring, enforced by the postponement of his rematch against David Haye, is “unheard of”.
Bellew will aim to beat Haye again on May 5, live on Sky Sports Box Office, 14 months after their first fight. Haye had delayed a scheduled rematch on December 17 while he recuperates from a bicep injury.
"I like to fight three or four times a year but since I became world champion, on the magical ride that I've had, it has shortened my activity," Bellew told Sky Sports News.
This is unheard of, though. Fourteen months. This isn't down to me, it's down to David Haye.
"This is unheard of, though. Fourteen months. This isn't down to me, it's down to David Haye.
"Injuries do happen but when you have torn as many muscles as David has, you have to ask questions.
"David, be ready, because this is holding up my career. I wish him well in a speedy recovery."
Tyson Fury had offered to replace the injured Haye, pending the resumption of his anti-doping hearing, and has now been added to Bellew's 2018 hit-list.
"Styles make fights. Fury is not the most concussive puncher," Bellew said. "His attributes and strengths lie in his awkwardness and his speed, which wouldn't be an issue for me because I'm used to fast light-heavyweights and fast cruiserweights. I will be much faster than Fury.
"I believe I am a bigger puncher than Fury. The only issue is the weight and the size, and there are ways to combat that, and overcome the advantages that he has.
"Boxing is all about timing, it is everything. Right now, in the position I'm in with the momentum I'm coming with, I believe I can defeat Tyson Fury.
"First and foremost, I have one of the hardest one-punch hitting heavyweights in the world, in David Haye. Make no mistake, this is a dangerous fight and could be my last fight if it goes wrong."
