Haye vs Bellew: Tony Bellew has plenty of potential heavyweight foes after win over David Haye
Monday 6 March 2017 20:28, UK
Tony Bellew intends to stay in the heavyweight division after his stunning victory over David Haye and we have picked out five possible opponents.
The Merseysider announced himself as one of the most wanted heavyweights in the world following his 11th-round stoppage of Haye at The O2 on Saturday night.
Bellew is the reigning WBC cruiserweight champion, but has suggested he will remain with boxing's biggest men for at least one more lucrative fight and we have analysed his options.
Deontay Wilder
As the beaten Haye limped away, the fired-up 'Bomber' immediately turned his attention to another of the division's outspoken fighters, calling for a clash with WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
The American defended his belt with an explosive stoppage of Gerald Washington last month, but looked vulnerable on his return from bicep and hand injuries.
Bellew no doubt believes he could exploit such defensive frailties, although he would have to overcome a notable size difference against the 6ft 7in tall Wilder, who is another of the division's most dangerous punchers.
Joseph Parker
The New Zealander has already expressed his willingness to battle Bellew in the future, despite his upcoming WBO title defence against Hughie Fury.
Parker was named alongside Wilder as another potential foe for Bellew and the unbeaten 25-year-old welcomed the prospect of a trip to Britain.
Standing at 6ft 4in tall, Parker poses less of a physical challenge than Wilder, but his swift hand speed would be a genuine threat to Bellew.
David Haye
In the aftermath of their memorable battle, both Haye and Bellew admitted they would welcome a second fight, although the victorious Merseysider will surely dictate the terms of a rematch.
At the age of 36, it remains to be seen whether Haye's already fragile body can recover from an operation to the ruptured Achilles tendon which he suffered in the sixth round.
But Sky Sports expert Carl Froch has revealed how Haye is '100 per cent' determined to fight again and wants to avenge his loss to Bellew.
Dillian Whyte
There was widespread praise for Bellew among his fellow British fighters, apart from Dillian Whyte, who gave a scathing assessment of the victory on social media.
'The Body Snatcher' enjoys sparking a war of words, having previously shared a bitter rivalry with Anthony Joshua, and Bellew is unlikely to back away from another verbal challenge.
Whyte demonstrated his appetite for battle in a thrilling points win over Dereck Chisora last December and a shootout with Bellew would certainly be entertaining.
Anthony Joshua
Promoter Eddie Hearn has admitted previously that Bellew could force himself into contention for the winner of Joshua's Wembley meeting with Wladimir Klitschko, but the Liverpudlian has respectfully ruled out this fight
"I admire Anthony Joshua so much, I'm not calling any names," said Bellew, who joined Joshua at ringside to reflect on his victory over Haye.
Bellew countered questions about Joshua with a light-hearted response that he is simply 'too big' and the current IBF champion is not among his targets.
