Friday 10 June 2016 20:33, UK
Tony Bellew says talks are underway with David Haye over a potential blockbuster British showdown between the two fighters.
Bellew enjoyed the greatest moment of his career, becoming WBC cruiserweight champion with a third-round knockout of Ilunga Makabu at his beloved Goodison Park last weekend.
In his post-fight interview Bellew (27-2-1-KO17) called Haye out, telling him to stop fighting "clowns" and urging the Londoner to jump in the ring with him.
Haye (28-2-KO26) responded by posting an Instagram video telling Bellew he will happily "smash him to bits" after first knocking out American heavyweight Shannon Briggs.
And Bellew, who says he has no issue making the fight at heavyweight, is convinced Haye will go the same way as Mukabu if he can land a big left hand on the Bermondsey boxer.
"We are in talks. The two of us are speaking at the moment and we'll see where it goes but I want to fight the 'Haye-faker'," Bellew told Sky Sports News HQ.
"I'd say Hayemaker but it's 'Haye-faker' because he's pulled out of that many fights over the last few years. He ran scared - absolutely petrified from Tyson Fury - not once, but twice.
"He pulls out of that many fights and he then actually goes on to fight clowns to be honest. Mark De Mori and the other guy Lurch (Arnold Gjergjaj) - it was just ridiculous the last two opponents he's had.
"He wouldn't use them as sparring partners so I'm happy to fight 'Haye-faker' any time, any place, it doesn't really matter to me.
"I was over 15st when I got in the ring with Ilunga Makabu so there's no issue there. Believe you me when I say, if I hit David Haye with the same left hook I hit Ilunga Makabu with, he will go to sleep exactly the same way."
Bellew, who was speaking in his hometown of Liverpool on Sunday morning, also paid tribute to the late, great, Muhammad Ali who died on Friday night, aged 74.
"Muhammad Ali means to me what he means to most of the world. He was the most iconic sporting figure that ever lived. He transcended boxing.
"There was only one man like him. There will only ever be one man like him. He's a true legend, an icon and someone who will be sadly and greatly missed."
