Haye, Bellew Could Lose Licenses if Further Violence, Says Hearn

By Edward Chaykovsky

According to promote Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport, Tony Bellew and David Haye have been warned by the British Boxing Board of Control to avoid the possibility of violence during this week's filming of "The Gloves Are Off" to promote their Sky Sports Box Office Pay-Per-View.

The two boxers had a physical confrontation during last fall's kickoff press conference to announce their March 4th showdown at The O2 Arena in Lond.

During a recent "The Gloves Are Off" taping, violence broke out between heavyweight rivals Dillian Whyte and Dereck Chisora. The BBBoC came very close to cancelling their pay-per-view fight, which was part of the Anthony Joshua vs. Eric Molina undercard.

If there is violence between Haye and Bellew, the two boxers could lose their boxing licenses, according to Bellew's promoter Hearn.

"Of course you're in a situation where it's the first time they have come face to face since the last time where one pushed one and one hit the other, so it's not ideal. But I think Tony is sensible enough and they have both been warned by the British Boxing Board of Control. Any more problems and they both have the threat of their licence being taken away," Hearn told Sky Sports.

Hearn will personally speak with both boxers to ensure that nothing gets physical.

"One hundred percent, [I will speak with] both of them actually. David is not really going to listen to me, but I feel like I have got a relationship with Tony where I can. But when you're a foot away from another man that you dislike and the insults are being traded across the floor, anything can happen," Hearn stated.

"That's also the beauty of the show. We need to keep the rawness of that and also remember that we have a reputation to keep, and an image to protect for the sport of boxing."