Lawrence Lustig

David Haye and Tony Bellew look set to meet this December in a high-profile rematch despite promoter Eddie Hearn stating a deal was dead in the water.

Last month, the Matchroom boss said he’d given up on making the fight, although WBN understands a massive u-turn in negotiations has meant an agreement was possible.

Hearn had initially told Sky Sports the following: “I don’t think Bellew-Haye will happen. Although there was hugs and kisses in the ring after the fight, trying to get these two to agree to anything is a complete disaster.

“Tony Bellew feels like he got the win, so he should get the benefits of that win, and David Haye feels like Bellew still isn’t on his level.

“When you’re talking about ring walks, who goes first on the poster, changing rooms, splits – all this kind of stuff, it’s impossible.

“I think at this stage, Bellew-Haye II is virtually dead,” he added.

Despite those frustrations for Hearn and all concerned, an announcement on the second fight could be made as early as next week, with the return likely to head back to the O2 Arena for a date before the Christmas holiday period.

Bellew took the first clash via late stoppage as Haye was hampered by a serious achilles injury and questions have been raised about the manner of the former WBC cruiserweight title holder’s win ever since.

This has led ‘The Bomber’ to want to rubberstamp his victory in what could be an even more lucrative encounter than the initial meeting back in March.

Both fighters earned millions from the Pay-Per-View battle, with Haye earning more that Bellew on the night, although this time around the purses are expected to be in a lot closer order.