Tony Bellew has claimed that David Haye's recent quotes regarding him are "an act", suggesting that his opponent still holds little respect for him ahead of their rematch in December.
In March, Bellew recorded an 11th-round stoppage win over Haye, who sustained a torn Achilles during the sixth round, and the pair have agreed to meet for a second time at the end of 2017.
Haye has said that he respects Bellew after his performance earlier this year, but Bellew has laughed off suggestions that the two-weight world champion has changed his opinion.
The 34-year-old told Sky Sports News: "I don't believe he respects me at all. This is an act, what he's doing now. He's doing a great job, to be fair. He has said in the past he wants to be an actor, so he's just done a fantastic job on the stage. He's got my applause.
"He doesn't rate me as a fighter, I know. He actually slipped up halfway through there. He said he didn't underestimate me last time, so if he didn't underestimate me last time - he said I was the worst world champion ever. He said he was going to drill me to the floor within a couple of rounds."
Haye has also questioned the motivation of Bellew after the Liverpudlian upset the odds to prevail in London seven months ago.
Darren Plant
