Betting Tips and Previews: Boxing

David Haye vs Tony Bellew - Saturday 4th March 2017

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David Haye vs Tony Bellew



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Haye v Bellew: Don’t Believe The Hype

David Haye and Tony Bellew finally meet at the O2 Arena in London, ending one of the bitterest build-ups to a bout in recent times. Frayed tempers spilled over when the bout was announced last year, with Haye aiming a Haymaker at his Liverpudlian rival.

Both fighters have plenty to say on each other, with most of it derogatory. Haye recently completed a round of media interviews, the gist of which is that Bellew got under his skin and he’s going to make him pay for that.

More bravado or has Haye got the substance to make Bellew pay? And is there a danger of the underdog being underestimated?

DAVID HAYE

Unsurprisingly, the former WBA champion is confident ahead of the fight. “I personally see it as a really one-sided fight,” he said, “but that's me.”

Haye is confident of goading Bellew into action, certain that he is the ideal opponent. “If I could construct an opponent that would get knocked out super quick, superfast, and super spectacularly, I’d probably say get me someone like Tony Bellew.”

While Haye may be more laidback in his demeanour than Bellew, there’s more than a suspicion that he is a volcano waiting to explode in the ring. It’s a similar build-up to the Derek Chisora bout in 2012. They brawled, while others of his pre-bout press conferences have also dissolved into antagonism.

Of more concern for Bellew is that Haye is no stranger to grudge matches; Maccarinelli, Harrison and Chisora were all beaten comfortably in similar circumstances.

David_Haye.jpg

Ignoring the hype factor, it’s hard to argue with Haye’s assessment but that ignores Bellew’s comparative strengths. If this does descend into a brawl, Haye’s belief that it will be over quickly will be proved right, particularly with his reach advantage and being a natural heavyweight.

After 3½ years out of the ring, Haye was in markedly better form than when he finished Chisora in 5 rounds. While Mark de Mori and Arnold Gjerglaj aren’t world-class, Haye was clinical in despatching both inside two rounds.

Haye freely admits that the grudge match wasn’t one he had considered until Bellew began publicly demanding the fight. Haye responded in kind, to the dismay of the British Board of Boxing Control which is reviewing his comments closely.

A hefty fine will be a minor discomfort if he leaves Bellew sprawled on the canvas.

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TONY BELLEW

The WBC Cruiserweight World Champion steps up to the heavyweight division, surprisingly taking on this fight without a warm-up or two. It’s a huge risk; even though the WBC won’t strip him of his title for trading up a weight, his confidence may take more of a pounding than his body, from Haye.

Bellew’s best chance of victory will be if he makes this a tactical battle. Haye is more physically powerful, and quicker in counter-punching. However, Bellew has a solid jab which can inflict injury if he chooses to use it in a boxing match rather than a fight.

In the past, distinctly average Cruiserweights such as Ovil McKenzie have put Bellew on the canvas which doesn’t bode well for this fight. At some point, the Liverpudlian will be tagged and it’s a question on whether the first one is the end of the bout.

Tony_Bellew.jpg

His career has seen him rise to the top of the Cruiserweight division but without fighting the best in the world. That raises concerns about the prospect of Bellew fighting Anthony Joshua for the IBF title, as Eddie Hearn, his promoter, believes will be the case.

There’s no lack of motivation for Bellew in that respect but will it be enough? The longer the fight goes on, the better it will be for the Liverpudlian. If he is planning to keep mobile, his training will need to be focussed on stamina; Haye is unlikely to spend time chasing Bellew but waiting for him to come forward.

However, the question then becomes whether Bellew can land big enough punches to take Haye down. If ‘hit and hope’ is the philosophy, it could be a night which ends badly for him.

TALE OF THE TAPE

David Haye

Height:        6 ft 3 (191cm)
Reach:        78 ins (198cm)

Tony Bellow

Height:        6 ft 3 (191 cm)
Reach:        74 inches (188 cm)

STATS

  • Haye’s record is 28 wins, 2 defeats, with 26 KO’s.
  • Bellew’s record is 28 wins, 2 defeats, 1 draw, with 18 KO’s.
  • 18 of Haye’s knockouts have come within 3 rounds.
  • 3 of Haye’s fights have gone the distance (W2, L1).
  • 12 of Bellew’s fights have gone the distance (W10, D1, L1).

FORM GUIDE (LAST SIX BOUTS)

David Haye - WWLWWW
Tony Bellew - WWWWWW

CURRENT MATCH ODDS (BEST PRICED ODDS)

David Haye: 1/6 – with LadbrokesBet Here!

Draw: 40/1 – with BetVictorBet Here!

Tony Bellew: 5/1 – with Paddy PowerBet Here!

SUMMING UP!

Haye is the overwhelming favourite with the bookmakers and it’s hard to see Bellew winning unless the former WBA champion is genuinely complacent. A bigger hitter, naturally heavier, quicker in his fists; Haye is unarguably the better physically.

The question is whether Bellew has got into his head. It’s certain Haye is in the Liverpool boxer’s mind, and there’s a strong probability that this will explode from the start. That plays into Haye’s hands, quite literally.

Not one for the faint-hearted, this is unlikely to go the distance. Indeed, it will be a surprise if this goes beyond Round Three, which is the round that I predict Haye will win in.

MY RECOMMENDED BETS

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Stuart is a freelance writer and well-known Arsenal blogger, writing A Cultured Left Foot since 2006. As well as football, he regularly writes about cricket, tennis, rugby, baseball and American football.

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