Froch: Haye Must Not Struggle, Has To Beat Bellew in Style

According to retired former super middleweight world champion Carl Froch, simply defeating Tony Bellew is not enough for heavyweight contender David Haye.

He says Haye must not only defeat Bellew, but defeat him in a statement making performance.

Haye, 36, has fought twice since returning from a three-year absence while WBC cruiserweight champion Bellew, from Liverpool, is moving up in weight to take on the Londoner.

Despite his inactivity and lack of credible opponents since returning, Haye is a huge favorite to win the fight. Most insiders expect him to win by knockout in the first half of the contest.

Winning is not enough, says Froch. If Haye struggles in the contest, with a huge underdog moving up in weight, then Froch is not confident that Haye will be able to secure the big money fights he wants most at heavyweight. 

"For David Haye, this fight was already a big risk but it seems to be turning into an even bigger risk," Froch told Sky Sports.

"The last thing he needs to do is struggle through, no matter what the result is. Winning is not enough. If he loses to Bellew, it is the end of him. If he struggles and doesn't look good, the win won't be enough.

"David wants to move on to bigger and better things at heavyweight, so if he does struggle - even if he wins - I am not sure where he goes next."

Bellew, 34, believes Haye is going to fall apart in the second half of fight.

"I am going in with a man who was absolutely fantastic. When he was in his prime, an immense athlete - but the tank is very, very low and it does not last very long." Bellew said.

"When the gas runs out, the big fat Scouser is going to steam through him."

Bellew has a record of 28 wins and a draw from 31 fights while Haye has 28 wins from 30 contests.