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Bellew vs Haye II: David Haye says he cannot afford to lose a round to Tony Bellew in rematch

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David Haye insists he will retire from boxing if he doesn't produce a 'spectacular' performance against Tony Bellew

David Haye says he produced a "one out of 10" performance in his defeat to Tony Bellew and admits he is not the same fighter if he loses a single round in the rematch.

The 37-year-old former two-weight world champion suffered an upset loss to Bellew last March and openly accepts he will retire on the back of an unsatisfactory display in their second fight on May 5, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

An Achilles injury hampered Haye from the sixth round of their first meeting, but he gave a scathing self assessment, and will consider his future if Bellew gains any positive mark on the judges' scorecards on this occasion.

Tony Bellew (left) and David Haye during the press conference at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.
Image: Bellew faces Haye in a rematch at The O2 on May 5, live on Sky Sports Box Office

He exclusively told the Ringside Toe 2 Toe podcast: "The official scorecards - I lost the first round, I won the second round, third round, fourth round and fifth round, and I lost all the rounds after that.

"The fact that I lost a round of boxing with Tony Bellew, I'll give myself a one out of 10.

If I lose a round to Tony Bellew, I'm not the fighter that I believe I am.
David Haye

"The fact that I lost a round. If I lose a round to Tony Bellew, I'm not the fighter that I believe I am."

Haye, whose career stretches back to 2002, insists he has the same desire for battle ahead of his latest bout with Bellew.

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"Sitting here right now, my heart's not pumping, my senses aren't heightened," said Haye. "But come fight night when I get through the ring at that stage, I feel like I'm the best version of a human being I can be.

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Promoter Eddie Hearn says the careers of Bellew and Haye will be on the line

"My memory is good, my vision sharpens, my hearing. I can hear my coach over all of the screaming. My mind can filter out all of the noise. I feel heightened to be in the ring, and I know I'm alive.

"Sparring turns on 40, 30 per cent, but come fight night, I genuinely feel like I can't feel pain. I just keep going through no matter what. I like that feeling."

You can hear more of an exclusive interview with David Haye on this week's Ringside Toe 2 Toe podcast.

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