This weekend David Haye and Tony Bellew collide in a pay per view heavyweight showdown in London. However comments from one of the protagonists in the build-up this week have caused significant outrage.
On the Monday press conference in Liverpool leading up to this weekend’s bout, former WBA heavyweight world champion David Haye lashed out at the public in attendance who were heckling him at one point calling them:
“F****** retards.”
It’s caused widespread disdain from not just members of the boxing or sports industries, but the wider public looking in at boxing this weekend ahead of Saturday’s massive fight.
Boxing News and Views contacted the British Boxing Board of Control to get their comment on the matter. General Secretary of the board Mr.Robert Smith noted:
“We are obviously disappointed in all comments that have been made leading up to this contest. Obviously we feel a lot of comments are inappropriate. I have spoken to the parties involved. I have spoken to Mr.Haye and Mr.Bellew and I have asked them to behave themselves along with other people. We have a board meeting next week when we are going to discuss what action we are going to take.”
There is one further press conference tomorrow expected to take place before the fight, as well as Friday’s official weigh-in prior to Saturday’s contest at London’s 02 Arena.
Tony Bellew last fought in October 2016 when he stopped American B.J. Flores inside the distance in his hometown of Liverpool at the Echo Arena.
Haye’s last appearance in a boxing ring came in May of last year when he stopped Arnold Gjergjaj inside the distance at the O2 Arena in London.