Haye promises Frampton loss won't have an effect on him

David Haye. Pic: Reuters

David Haye has dismissed suggestions he is under further pressure to defeat Tony Bellew because of stablemate Carl Frampton's recent high-profile defeat.

The 36-year-old yesterday weighed in at 16st 9oz for this evening's fight at London's O2 Arena against his 15st 3lbs 8oz rival, who will fight at heavyweight for the first time.

Their match-up comes shortly after Frampton, who like Haye is trained by Shane McGuigan, unexpectedly lost in Las Vegas against Leo Santa Cruz, and gave McGuigan only his second ever defeat as trainer.

The fallout to a fighter losing can often be felt elsewhere within that stable, in the same way victories can inspire others, but Haye insists morale within their camp has been unaffected and that he is also unconcerned about criticism since aimed at McGuigan.

"I don't feel any additional pressure to get a win for a stable," he said. "Getting a win for myself is more than motivation enough. The more success I have, the more Carl has, the younger guys feel the energy and it spurs everyone else on: the success of a big fight.

"There was nothing disappointing about the Frampton fight; he just lost a majority decision. There's no real disgrace in that.

"The morale in the camp isn't low, though. It was low that day, but Carl Frampton's in good health. It's just moved on to the next fight and this is the next fight.

David Haye v Tony Bellew Live, tonight, Sky Box Office