Image source, PA

Insults continued to fly at a news conference to promote the fight in November, and ended with Haye throwing a punch at his opponent.

"He's unbelievable, the biggest diva boxing has ever seen," said Bellew.  

"You could be fighting for the heavyweight championship of the world, but you're fighting me. And you know why? For the money. You're skint." 

The pair went head-to-head, before Haye reacted to a shove from Bellew. 

Image source, Getty Images

Haye then called for a physical barrier to be placed between him and his heavyweight rival when they met in front of the media last month.

"There needs to be protection, a human being isn't enough," said the 36-year-old. "Whatever it is, glass or whatever.

"When tensions are high and when guys are scared they do crazy things."  

That SpongeBob jibe came in October, after Bellew had defended his WBC world cruiserweight title by knocking out American BJ Flores.

Bellew has since admitted he meant Simpsons character Sideshow Bob, but there's not been a lot of love lost either way...  

The Liverpudlian didn't even get out of the ropes before he started calling out Haye, who was ringside watching his mate Flores.

They used to be sparring partners, but Bellew was already eyeing up Haye in May of last year, suggesting he was ready to step up to heavyweight.

Image source, Rex Features

"Listen, SpongeBob Squarepants..."

Sounds like a playground insult rather than a precursor to one of the most anticipated all-British fights in years, doesn't it?

Image source, Getty Images

It wasn't so much schoolyard backchat but the first bullet fired in a ferocious war of words between David Haye and Tony Bellew.

But after months of trash talk, it's time to do battle.