Tony Bellew

The Everton-mad world cruiserweight champion reveals how he has much to thank today’s visiting manager for as he finalises preparations for his high-profile heavyweight bout with Londoner David Haye in seven days’ time...

The two scenes could barely be more different.

Tony Bellew takes a few minutes out of a regimented, almost military schedule to speak to us in the comparatively humble surroundings of a Maghull gym before hopping across the Pennines to meet up with Yorkshire-based trainer Dave Coldwell for a lunchtime session, which will be followed by a third session in the swimming pool later that evening.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic Ocean, David Haye is in the 30-degree Miami sunshine, cruising in a Rolls Royce with UK grime artist Dizzee Rascal, on his way to sparring, playing basketball and enjoying a drink in the Jacuzzi on board the £27m Skyfall mega-yacht.

It is, perhaps, indicative of the two different characters that make the upcoming fight so intriguing - one, a gritty, working-class fighter who has battled his way to becoming a world champion with a fierce will to win and undying determination; the other, naturally gifted, an elite athlete who also relishes the glamorous sides that accompany celebrity status.

It has never been about titles, this is a grudge match - and Haye’s preparation for their heavyweight clash at the O2 Arena on 4 March has done little to change Bellew’s opinion of his opponent.

“Seeing him on a yacht makes me laugh,” the Evertonian smiles. “I just can’t stand him. He’s not taking me seriously, he thinks it’s a walk in the park and, it could turn out to be a walk in the park because if he catches me clean in those first 20 seconds, I’m going. But make no mistake, if I cop him in those first 20 seconds, he’s going as well, so it could be egg on his face for him. I understand what I’m up against, I know how dangerous this fight is, he doesn’t.