A 'humbled' David Haye insisted Tony Bellew would not get the better of him this time around in their rematch on May 5.
Haye appeared a far more humble fighter as he came face-to-face with Tony Bellew at the press conference for their heavyweight rematch.
The Hayemaker brashly vowed to destroy Bellew in their first fight but was beaten by the Bomber as Haye suffered a ruptured Achilles during an 11-round loss last March.
Haye insisted he was “humbled” by the loss and claimed that he would hang up his gloves and retire if he did not gain revenge second time around – and could even call it a day if he does not win in style.
"Even if I win, if I don't look how I believe I can, if I watch the video back and it's not the guy I believe can beat some of these champions, then that's it,” said Haye, who is 8/11 to stop Bellew inside the distance.
“I'll be happy with the revenge and bow out gracefully and focus on other things."
Haye Humbled
The Londoner was looking a far more relaxed and laid back character to the one Bellew managed to wind up before the last fight, and although there were again a few jibes across the press conference table Haye says he will not let it get to him.
"I'm not taking the bait, Tony," Haye said during the press conference. "I took it last time. I allowed you to get into my psyche."
He later added: "You humbled me in that ring then. You took my best, you dished out yours and the towel came in because you were the better man. This time it will be different.
"All that anger and hostility, whipping myself up, I don't need to do that anymore, he beat me.
“That’s his game, he likes to get under your skin and disturb your gameplan and it worked a treat last time, but it won’t work this time.”
Bellew not buying it
For his part, Bellew did not believe for one second that Haye had suddenly gained some humility and, after being frustrated at Haye pulling out of their December date with injury, vowed to end his career once and for all.
"Your mindset will never change,” said Bellew, who is 11/4 to again stop Haye. “You say you've been humbled, you haven't been humbled, you know you can't stand the sight of me. You despise me.
"I have never changed my opinion of you once, it's always been the same: you're a brilliant fighter.
"You can't take away how much of a fabulous athlete you are, how much of a great career you've had. But it doesn't matter because it's been and gone.
"And on May 5, mate, you are finished. I promise you that. It is all going to end on May 5."
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