Tony Bellew v David Haye rematch confirmed for December 17

The first bout in March saw Bellew cause a shock to win by TKO as Haye picked up an Achilles injury midway through the fight.

He tried to continue but had no answer to the fully-fit Bellew, who dug deep and was already impressing before his opponent’s injury.

Speaking to Sky Sports, who will show the event, Bellew said this was all about business.

"I will have the exact same attitude I had going into the first fight - win at all costs. I will be victorious on December 17 and I will end David Haye's career. Another loss to me closes the curtain on the Hayemaker," he said.

"This isn't personal anymore, it's strictly business. This is just another fight. My world has been put into perspective in the last four weeks, it's been the toughest four weeks of my family's lives and I will dedicate my victory on December 17 to my late brother-in-law.

"He [Haye] knows how the first fight went. After five rounds, I had him 3-2 up - my plan was never to start strong, as David is a front-runner. He's dangerous early but he tires quickly and he doesn't get stronger down the stretch. He's another year older, the body is more worn and he won't be able to live with a younger, fresher and more active fighter. He just can't sustain the tempo and pace once we go past three or four rounds.

"It's a very dangerous fight but I am looking forward to it. I love The O2 and I wanted the fight to be there. I call the shots this time."

Haye was typically bullish about his chances, praising his opponent but saying that he feels in better condition than before.

"I'm excited to give the public the rematch they truly crave, ever since the explosive first showdown earlier this year," he said.

"On March 4, the script was thrown out the window and the unpredictability of sport revealed itself in its most raw form. Without question, 'The Bomber' showed great heart, grit and determination to weather the early storm. Credit to him, that he's willing to step back into the lion's den and do it all over again.

"He somehow won the lottery in our first fight, but believe me, he won't win the lottery twice.

"I've been training every day for over six months. I already feel fitter, stronger and more athletic than I did for our first showdown! On December 17, I will relish the opportunity to re-write the ending of the Haye-Bellew story."

The mutual respect between the two fighters is already a refreshing break from the tiresome and childish antics in the build-up to the first fight.