Thursday 16 March 2017 10:01, UK
Dillian Whyte has branded Tony Bellew as a "fake heavyweight" and says he would knockout the Merseysider within six rounds.
'The Bomber' is expected to remain in the top division after stepping up from cruiserweight to inflict a stunning victory over Haye earlier this month at The O2.
A domestic clash with Whyte was dismissed last week by Bellew, who will assess his options while he recovers from a hand injury, but the Brixton man believes he is a more recognisable opponent than any other names on the shortlist.
"I'm one of the highest ranked heavyweights across the board, outside the champions," Whyte exclusively told Sky Sports.
"Tony Bellew says 'I wouldn't fight you, because you picked David Haye to knock me out in six rounds'. I'm like dude, even your sponsor on your shorts picked David Haye to knock you out. That's why you were 16-1 or something silly like that. Stop talking rubbish and let's fight.
"If you want to prove yourself as a true heavyweight then fight me.
"Me versus Bellew will make more money than any other fight he can get at the minute. Trust me, that's a fact. I'm a bigger name here than Joseph Parker or Deontay Wilder."
Haye is still pursuing a rematch with Bellew, despite suffering a ruptured Achilles in his 11th-round stoppage defeat, but Whyte feels the 36-year-old should consider retirement instead.
"Everything has got it's sell-by date and David's sell-by date has passed," said 'The Body Snatcher'.
If he is struggling to knock out a one-legged man, how is he going to knockout a true heavyweight who always shows up to fight? It's impossible.
"Bellew struggled to knock out a one-legged man. He didn't even knock him out properly.
"If he is struggling to knock out a one-legged man, how is he going to knockout a true heavyweight who always shows up to fight? It's impossible."
Whyte expects to appear on the undercard of Kell Brook's IBF title defence against Errol Spence Jr and vowed to make Bellew regret his words if they ever share the ring in the future.
"He's a fake heavyweight and he should go back to cruiserweight," said Whyte. "If he wants to stay at heavyweight, he needs to prove to me and the world that he's a natural heavyweight.
"I would knock Tony Bellew out in the first six rounds."
