Tony Bellew urged David Haye to retire moments after knocking him out
Tony Bellew has revealed he urged David Haye to retire from boxing moments after knocking him out in their rematch.
Haye was dumped to the canvas three times by Bellew before the referee stepped in to stop the bout in the fifth round.
The loss leaves Haye in no mans land in the division and his career in the balance.
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Haye had vowed to retire if he lost the rematch and Bellew confirmed he pleaded with Haye in the ring.
He said: The first thing I said to Haye after the fight was “Stop now!”
Hes outstayed his welcome in the game really.
Youve got all these young guns coming up now, he needs to retire.
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Haye refused to confirm whether he would retire during his post-fight interview in the ring, insisting he would have to look back over the bout before making a decision.
Ill have to review the tapes, I was bettered tonight, Haye said. Im not injured, Im fully healthy.
Bellew was visibly emotional after his win and dedicated the victory to his late brother-in-law, Ashley.
He said: There was an empty seat and, I swear, my brother-in-law was here watching me. Thats for him.
Each night Ive cried, Im emotional, because I miss him.
More: Boxing
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