Brilliant Bellew: Haye victory was for my tragic brother

Tony Bellew dedicated his fifth round victory over David Haye to his tragic brother-in-law Ashley after keeping his promise to his “great friend”.

The sibling of his long-term partner Rachel reportedly plunged from a balcony during a family holiday in Cancun last year and the fighter says it “destroyed him”.

On Saturday night he kept his word as he unleashed the pain of a terrible year on Haye in the heavyweight rematch at the o2.

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Haye held his hands up after the one-sided fight and says he was not fit enough for a bout of this magnitude. He wasn’t wrong. It’s a defeat which surely spells the end of his 18-year pro career.

The 37-year-old says he “doesn’t know” if this was the last time we will see him in the ring but it appears likely the curtain will come down on one of the greats’ time in the spotlight after this display in the capital. The writing is now on the wall.

“I lost my brother last year and there is only one person this victory is for – it’s for Ashley,” said 35-year-old Bellew, clearly emotional and raw after the tragic events of August 2017.

“I left an seat empty for him and I know he was here watching me. Every punch I threw was for you. It was on my mind all the way through. I was in the hotel on my own all week and each night I have cried.

“All I think about is him. He has been on my mind since it happened. I don’t cry in front of anyone, but it has been difficult. I love my family so much and this was for them, too.”

He added: “David Haye is an amazing fighter, take nothing away from him. We hurt each other.

“He has got crazy power but I did say from the start, with his style, age is an important factor. He is a legend of the sport but I am just happy I won.

“It’s against all the odds again and I am so delighted I have been able to deliver this victory.”

Haye knows there was only one winner and admits it could have been an error signing up to the fight.

He said: “Tony boxed a great fight – I thought I was fit enough to beat him, but it turns out I wasn’t.

“I didn’t feel great in there tonight and I lost to the better man.”