Eddie Hearn explains why Tony Bellew and David Haye won’t fight again

“I think at this stage, Bellew-Haye II is virtually dead.”

Eddie Hearn has said that negotiations about a rematch between Tony Bellew and David Haye have broken down.

The pair had a dramatic bout back in March at the O2 Arena in London. Haye was expected to record a routine win over Bellew, who was competing in his first fight at heavyweight.

However, Haye had suffered a debilitating Achilles injury in the sixth round, and Bellew upset the odds to record an 11th round stoppage.

Before the fight, the pair engaged in a war of words, which went beyond the standard trash talk that accompanies most big boxing matches. Haye threatened to leave Bellew in hospital, and was fined £25,000 by the British Boxing Board of Control for his conduct before the fight.

It appears the animosity between them has played a factor in the breakdown in talks for a rematch.

Bellew’s promoter Hearn has said any hope of the pair fighting again is “virtually dead,” because they found it “impossible” to agree on different facets of the bout.

“I don’t think Bellew-Haye will happen,” Hearn told Sky Sports.

“Although there was hugs and kisses in the ring after the fight, trying to get these two to agree to anything is a complete disaster. Tony Bellew feels like he got the win, so he should get the benefits of that win, and David Haye feels like Bellew still isn’t on his level. When you’re talking about ring walks, who goes first on the poster, changing rooms, splits – all this kind of stuff, it’s impossible. I think at this stage, Bellew-Haye II is virtually dead.”