Sky has announced it will televise the highly anticipated rematch between Tony Bellew and David Haye on Sunday 17 December at London’s O2 arena on Sky Sports Box Office.
The duo fought in March with Bellew claiming a TKO victory against The Hayemaker. In a matchup that will live long in the memory, The Bomber capitalised on his opponent’s achilles injury – sustained in the sixth – to claim an 11th-round win.
Bellew had enjoyed recent WBC Cruiserweight title wins against Ilunga Makabu and BJ Flores, but victory over Haye is perhaps his biggest win to date.
The bout caps a stellar year of boxing on Sky Sports, which has included Andre Ward v Sergey Kovalev, James DeGale v Badou Jack, Carl Frampton v Leo Santa Cruz as well as major moments on Sky Sports Box Office including Joshua v Klitschko and Mayweather v McGregor.
Sky Sports Box Office will also televise Anthony Joshua’s World Heavyweight title defence against Bulgarian boxer Kubrat Pulev on 28 October.
Sky Sports Head of Boxing Adam Smith said: “This is one of the most eagerly anticipated fights in recent times, as arch rivals Tony Bellew and David Haye lock horns again in a pre-Christmas cracker.
“It’s a rematch which should provide everything – a fiery build-up, compelling action mixed with an uncertain, unpredictable outcome.
“Will Bellew be able to dig that deep a second time and prevail as an underdog again?
“Can Haye’s body hold up, having shaken off any physical and mental scars to surely come in lighter and faster? It’s the ultimate battle – Repeat or Revenge?
“We cannot wait to provide all the twists and turns in and out of the ring on Sky – enjoy the crazy ride!”
There was no love lost between the two former world champions during the build up to the previous bout, and it’s unlikely much will have changed before they meet in the ring for a second time.
