Tony Bellew desperate to fight 'world's most dangerous heavyweight' David Haye

WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew is desperate to fight David Haye – even though he considers him to be the "most dangerous heavyweight" in the world. The outspoken Liverpudlian called out Haye last month after retaining his cruiserweight crown against BJ Flores, and Bellew's ambitions have not changed since.

Although he acknowledges Haye has fearsome punching power, Bellew is not scared of facing the London-born star, who he has called the "bitch from Bermondsey".

"No one really wants to face David Haye," Bellew told Sky Sports of the much-discussed potential fight. "He's probably the most dangerous heavyweight in the world. It is such a big risk, with so little reward, which is why, and I understand why, nobody wants to face him. I will. He doesn't scare me.

"He's a massive puncher, he's lightning quick for a heavyweight and he's a really good fighter. That's why the heavyweights don't want to fight him."

Haye, 36, moved up to the heavyweight ranks from the cruiserweight division in 2008 and won the WBA title against Nikolai Valuev the following year. But Bellew – who has never previously fought as a heavyweight – is unconcerned about the size disparity between himself and the 'Hayemaker'.

"The reason I want to face him is I want to prove I am the best cruiserweight out there. In my eyes he's a big cruiserweight but he's still a cruiserweight," Bellew said. "I never thought anyone was going to choose to fight him, he was going to have to force their hand and for David to force someone's hand, he is going to have to beat a top heavyweight.

"If he wants to put himself out there, I am one of the hottest fighters in the world right now. I am the WBC cruiserweight champion of the world, I am knocking out everyone I touch and I really do believe I will knock him out, too."