David Haye opted to start his fight against Tony Bellew months early yesterday when he threw a punch as the two went head-to-head at a heated press conference to promote their March 4 heavyweight fight.

The former WBA champion displayed an uncharacteristic lack of composure throughout, angrily insulting promoter Eddie Hearn and Bellew’s trainer David Coldwell, as well as his opponent.

Haye had previously been involved in violence at a press conference when he brawled with Dereck Chisora in 2012 but on that occasion he felt provoked. He often cuts a well-prepared figure when appearing publicly; here his reaction to a routine shove from Bellew appeared the culmination of the intense pressure he seemed under.