David Haye has questioned Tony Bellew's motivation ahead of their December 17 rematch, believing the money the Liverpudlian has earned means he has no need to fight on.
Bellew was paid the biggest purse of his career when they first fought in March, and revealed that after his unexpected win he seriously considered retirement.
Former world heavyweight champion Haye has earned even more than his rival during a decorated career, but insists that unlike the younger fighter, he is still active to prove he is the world's best.
He requires victory at London's 02 Arena if he is to succeed in his ultimate aim of challenging reigning IBF and WBA champion Anthony Joshua, and he said of Bellew: "Before the first fight he wanted to secure his family (financially).
"I know what he got paid for that first fight and, mission completed, he's financially secure for the rest of his life. He's a multi-millionaire.
"What are his motivations? I didn't believe I'd get this opportunity again, but for some reason he wants to. He's said on numerous occasions how dangerous boxing is."
It was revealed after the first fight, Bellew's first at heavyweight, that he had written his will in the build-up.
Haye said: "The fact that he changed his will means he knows the dangers. That's why it's strange he's going to do it all over again.
"He said 'I'd never buy a Rolls Royce or a flash car'. So why are you doing it? He said 'The reason I'm doing it is because I've got a screw loose'.
"I can't figure it out. People rob banks to secure their family, put their life on the line, but they do it to secure their family. When you rob the bank once, do you go back again?
"My motivations are revenge, and I want to be the best heavyweight in the world. He's said he doesn't want to fight Anthony Joshua or Deontay Wilder, because he doesn't believe he's big enough. Why go back and do it again?"
The victory over Haye remains the highest-profile of Bellew's career. It came after he had already achieved his ambitions of winning a world title at cruiserweight and, as a passionate Everton supporter, fought at Goodison Park.
His trainer Dave Coldwell - part of Haye's team when the 36-year-old remained world champion and was at his peak - has made no secret of his wish for his fighter to retire, and Bellew also said that his wife Rachel had "begged" him to do so.
"I was 17-and-a-half stones thinking 'Can I be arsed to get this weight off?' he said. "Then I watched boxing on the telly: I enjoy fighting, I can't stop. My missus begged me to stop and I was very close to considering it.
"I thought about (retirement). My hand was a mess in the dressing room, the size of a balloon. I've had six fractures between the two hands. I don't know how much more my body can do.
"He (Haye) still doesn't rate me. He thinks he's going to walk right through me. He will lose to the fat boy."
Source: PA
