Former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew believes David Haye would have gotten the better of Tyson Fury - had their fight actually happened in 2013.

The two rivals were scheduled to fight - with Haye withdrawing from two planned dates with injuries.

Haye would end up having shoulder surgery and remained out of the ring until 2016.

During that period of time in 2013, Haye would have been the toughest opponent of Fury's career.

“David Haye was probably the brightest prospect in world boxing in 2004 and 2005, he was unbelievable. I’m convinced if David Haye had fought Tyson Fury when that fight first got announced, he would have won. Haye would never have a chance now, the Fury of today and the Fury that beat Wladimir Klitschko would beat anyone," Bellew told William Hill.

“Tyson Fury tied David Haye up in knots with his words but physically Fury was so undeveloped at that stage. Steve Cunningham nearly beat Fury and David Haye was twice the puncher and twice the fighter that Steve Cunningham ever was.

“If David Haye hurts you or drops you, you’re done. He is probably one of the best finishers this country has ever seen, he’s that prolific. The only finisher I have ever seen better than David Haye is Nigel Benn. When he gets you hurt, he takes you out.”

It was Bellew who ended Haye's career - with back to back stoppage wins in 2017 and 2018.

After the fight with Haye fell through, Fury went forward with his unbeaten run - with a career-defining win over Wladimir Klitschko for the WBO, IBF, IBO, WBA heavyweight titles.

Fury, who currently holds the WBC world title, is now the top man in weight class. His next fight is slated to take place on the tentative date of July 22 at Wembley Stadium.