Promoter Eddie Hearn was geared up for a celebration when he entered the ring to congratulate Tony Bellew on last night's result - the feeling was not mutual.
The 34-year-old scouser made Hearn look a right tit as he pushed him away, in order to check on an injured David Haye instead.
The WBC cruiserweight champion caused upset at the O2 Arena last night as he stepped up two weights and stopped Haye in the 11th round.
Last night's clash was the Haymaker's third fight since his boxing comeback, but in the 6th round he appeared to injure his right Achille. However, in spite of this setback, Haye powered through courageously - even though he had basically become a sitting target.
"Just before the stoppage I looked at David and said 'stop now'," said Bellew. "He shook his head.
"He went beyond the call of duty."
While there was no title at stake for Saturday's fight, there was a lot of money and, more importantly, pride on the line - especially given that the pair had been bitching at each other back and forth like kids for at least five months in the run up.
Haye caused controversy last week with his comments about Bellew, saying that the Liverpudlian fighter was "risking his life" by stepping up to 200lbs and over for the first time.
The 36-year-old former heavyweight champion said he would "punch through" Bellew's head, adding he wanted to do "real damage" and that he hoped Bellew is still "physically able" to enjoy the money he receives.
However, when it came down to it on the night, Bellew proved he was the bigger man by not only defeating Haye, but refusing to celebrate the downfall of a fellow professional.
Bellew told an ecstatic Eddie Hearn exactly where to go as he walked past him to embrace a beaten and humbled Haye instead.
Speaking after the clash, Haye said: "It is what it is, we get injuries in this game. Sometimes you work round them but unfortunately it was my right leg, if it had been my left I might have had more of a chance."
"The better man won. All credit to him. I always knew he was tough, I always knew he had a big heart and I congratulate him."
That's more the sort of attitude we like to see.
Advert
