Haye v Bellew Q&A with B.J Flores

With David Haye v Tony Bellew on the horizon, excitement is building fast. Recently we had the pleasure of speaking to BJ Flores, former opponent of Tony Bellew and close friend of David Haye, and he gave us his insight into the big grudge match between the pair on March 4th.

The Boxing Banter: Your fight with Bellew seemed to act as a catalyst for this 'rivalry', in your opinion just how deep does it run for the two fighters?

BJ Flores: They genuinely don't like each other. Both have had world titles but there isn't a mutual respect as David doesn't believe Tony is even close to ready for a fight like this in the heavyweight division

TBB: At the first press conference it seemed that David was really riled by Bellew, Dave Coldwell and Eddie Hearn. What has made this fight become so personal? Do you think such an uncharacteristic show of emotion could hinder Haye?

BJ: The fight is personal yes. There have been a lot of insults thrown by both fighters and it will all be settled on March 4th.

TBB: Obviously you're close to David, a lot has been made of his preparations. Is he taking it lightly or are the multiple Instagram posts just to get a reaction?

BJ: if you believe that David is slacking off in Miami than you are very, very naive. David has been in this game a long time and is very good about getting into his opponents head. If Tony believes David isn't taking this fight seriously, than he will be in for a very rude awakening on March 4

TBB: How much power does Tony Bellew possess and can it translate to a heavyweight bout?

BJ: Yes Tony has power at Cruiserweight. Of course he is a good puncher. In my opinion he needs MUCH more time at heavyweight before he's ready for a fight like this. Different levels! Where are his advantages? David is the bigger stronger faster fighter. Tony keeps referring to David as a "blown up Cruiserweight ". David hasn't been a Cruiserweight in over 8 years and the difference will be the experience David has gained while being at heavyweight.

TBB: Bellew amongst others believe that David Haye isn't the fighter he used to be, is that true? Does it matter in this fight?

BJ: We will find out March 4th if he is the fighter he used to be. Bellew is very foolish to think David will "quit" after 4 rounds. Makes no sense at all. David been tested by the best heavies and cruisers over the last 10 years. Tony criticises David’s opponents at heavyweight. Another big mistake. Nobody in The o2 "will understand as well as Tony" how far David has come since his Cruiserweight days. In order for this fight to be competitive Tony would have had to take a Couple fights at heavyweight again good opposition. Remember David's only loss at heavy was to a PRIME 6"7 Vlad Klitschko. Tony doesn't possess anything close to the types of weapons like Vlad. David is looking at this fight as an EASY payday against a mouthy domestic rival.

TBB: David believes he can become a world champion again, in a division that's constantly improving, is that possible?

BJ: I've seen David in the ring with Wilder and many others. A healthy / non injured David Haye can run the tables in the heavyweight division. David beats Parker right now. And I think Joe is very good. Deontay also matches up very well with David. Just look at their sparring. Joshua is the fight that I just wouldn't know how to predict. He is the biggest X factor in the division because he has the talent, size, work ethic and charisma to be an absolute star. When David and Anthony finally do fight there isn't a place in the world I'd rather be than ringside. A true 50/50 fight.

TBB: You've said to us previously that the press conference will be a lot more interesting than the fight. How do you see the fight panning out?

BJ: Pressers and media will be far more interesting than the fight. Tony has never experienced anything like he will experience on March 4th. Winning a world title at cruiser is an amazing feat and very, very honourable. It takes an incredible amount of determination and work. But it will all be forgotten as he will not last 4 rounds with David. It all depends on how David feels or what kind of mood he's in. It could be over in 1 round

TBB: What do you think of Bellew, both as a Cruiserweight champ and an opponent for David Haye?

BJ: I think Bellew is a very good fighter and promoter. He's done a good job for himself. Remember he was violently KO’d by Stevenson 4 years ago and has picked himself back up and done VERY well. I just know, and I'm pretty sure he knows that this is FAR too big of a step for him at this point but he wants to cash in on a BIG money fight. Plain and simple. He has nothing to lose as everyone (except his fans) expects him to be KO’d by David very early on.

TBB: Thank you so much for your time, what’s next for BJ Flores?

BJ: I fight Feb 25th in Phoenix Arizona, a 10 round fight at heavyweight. Then I will be in the U.K. For march 4th with David.

You can follow BJ Flores on twitter at @bjfloresboxing

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