Tony Bellew claimed a stunning upset victory over bitter rival David Haye, battering the former world heavyweight champion to an 11th-round stoppage as bedlam gripped the O2 Arena.
An ill-tempered build-up was laid bare as both men swung from the hip with bad intentions, but WBC cruiserweight champion Bellew – fighting in the highest weight division for the first time in his professional career – upset the odds to outlast Haye, whose designs for a shot at IBF ruler Anthony Joshua now lie in tatters.
"Just before the stoppage I said to David 'Stop now', because I'??m not here to hurt people. I looked at [Haye's trainer] Shane McGuigan and said 'Stop it'. He has got a great chin and took right hands all night long but he didn't see the left hook and it made him collapse through the ropes," Bellew said.
Indeed, the bad blood gave way to a warm embrace, mutual respect and talk of a rematch after Haye had tumbled through the ropes and his corner threw in the towel, an ending few other than Bellew – who moves on to a professional record of 29 wins, two defeats and a draw – foresaw.
Haye (28-3) seemed inconvenienced by an ankle injury after a tide-turning sixth round but pledged to offer no excuses at the conclusion of a breathless contest.
"I did not expect him to have the chin and the durability that he has," said Haye after the fight.
"Bellew, by far, was the better fighter tonight. I believe I'm more gifted but he had a bigger heart tonight.
"He took my best shots, got back up, and put me down. I'm at his mercy -- I can't think of world titles now."
