Haye Backs McGuigan's Decision To Stop Bellew Fight

By Edward Chaykovsky

Former two division world champion David Haye (28-3, 26 KOs) fully backs the decision of his trainer, Shane McGuigan, to stop last Saturday's fight with WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew (29-2-1, 19 KOs).

Haye, who was doing very well in the first five rounds, suffered a bad Achilles injury in the sixth round. After suffering the injury, he was barely able to stand and became a sitting duck for Bellew, who was a huge underdog.

After a combination of punches sent Haye through the ropes in the eleventh round, McGuigan had seen enough and threw in the towel. 

Haye underwent surgery for his Achilles on Sunday and he is expected to be out of the ring for at least six to nine months.

When Haye snapped more than a three year layoff in January of 2016, he brought on McGuigan after parting ways with longtime coach Adam Booth.

Haye was not very happy with the towel being thrown in. He would have rather finished out the fight to the final bell, but he understands why McGuigan made that decision and he respects the choice. 

"I believe Shane gave me ample time to turn the fight around - five rounds, basically," Haye exclusively told Sky Sports.

"I had to do something to change the flow of the fight. I did a couple of times, I landed some big shots that hurt him, but I couldn't close the range to finish him off. If Shane threw the towel in, he saw something. Maybe he wanted to save me for another day. I trust his opinion, I back him.

"I wish the towel didn't come in, and I wish he didn't do it. But he did it, and I respect his opinion."

Haye is hoping to get a rematch with Bellew. The Liverpool fighter is currently trying to secure a world title shot at heavyweight against either WBC champion Deontay Wilder or WBO titleholder Joseph Parker.