David Haye Fined £25,000 For Bellew Comments In March Press Conference
David Haye is still paying for some of his antics coming into his grudge match against Tony Bellew.
Haye has been fined £25,000 by the British Boxing Board of Control, who have released a statement admonishing his previous actions and comments made towards Bellew.
"The Stewards of the British Boxing Board of Control considered the behavior and comments made by boxer David Haye for his contest with Tony Bellew on the 4th March 2017 at the O2 Arena, London at their Board meeting on Wednesday, 14th June 2017. Mr. Haye admitted that his behavior amounted to misconduct and brought Boxing into disrepute. The stewards fined Mr Haye the sum of £25,000."
There were many heated arguments in the buildup to the fight with Haye calling Bellew's fans "a bunch of f-cking retards" and that Bellew was "risking his life" in facing Haye.
“He’s risking his life. This isn’t about his career, his life is on the line," Haye said in a March press conference. "People say I shouldn’t say this or it’s harsh but it’s the truth. How much more can I say? I’m in the ring with him with 10oz gloves on for 36 minutes, I’m allowed to punch him in his head. If you think he will be OK after this fight then I’m sure you can get good odds on that… Bet all the money you have. Each and every one of you should bet on Bellew to win the fight. You know your fighter is going to get drilled to the canvas. When he comes back to Liverpool, be there for him, because he’s going to need you. I’ve just got to turn up and knock him out. Easy job. I’ll be happy."
Haye, a former WBA world heavyweight and unified cruiserweight champion, was stopped in the 11th round by Bellew in their fight which took place on March 4.
