It’s certainly a possibility.
Considering the bad blood that continues to bubble away between Tony Bellew and David Haye, one would imagine that it’s something of a given that security will be put to the test during the build-up to the much-anticipated rematch.
The pair clashed on several occasions ahead of their initial meeting in March, which ended when Bellew stopped ‘The Hayemaker’ in the 11th round of his heavyweight debut.
Haye threw a punch at Bellew at one press conference, after which it was suggested that a protective barrier be put between the fighters at subsequent face-offs.
When they met for the final press event, a bizarrely intense staredown took place with a significant gap between the British rivals.
FACE OFF | @mrdavidhaye v @TonyBellew #HayeBellew pic.twitter.com/cIipQSZztP
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) March 2, 2017
Haye found himself in hot water with the British Boxing Board of Control after some of his pre-fight trash talk went slightly too far and, despite the embraces in the ring after their first fight, we can expect the war of words to ramp back up again prior to their December 17 rematch.
Promoter Eddie Hearn has hinted that the bout, which will take place at the O2 Arena, could be jeopardised if either man steps out of line in the coming weeks.
“I think it will, I think it really will [catch fire],” Hearn told IFL TV.
“I think they’ll try not to. Don’t forget that they’re both on suspensions from the board so they’re not really allowed to misbehave and if they do they could lose their licence, which would put the fight in jeopardy.
“But they don’t like each other at all.
“Sorry, Bellew I don’t think is on a suspended, Haye is, I believe. He chinned Bellew at the presser didn’t he? And said a few distasteful things.”
