Carl Froch has backed David Haye to beat Tony Bellew by points should the fight go the distance this evening.

The two heavyweights are mere hours away from their rematch at the O2 Arena, with Haye looking for revenge, and Bellew looking for a repeat.

The former super middleweight world champion turned TV analyst for the sport predicted an action-packed affair when giving his prediction to Sky Sports.

“We're going to see both boxing and moving, trying to pick each other off and outclass each other early on, but there are going to be moments of madness in every round. As soon as they are in range they are going to swing away.”

Froch believes that Bellew’s punching power is something Haye needs to watch out for.

“In that instance, it his who lands first, and it's alright Haye saying otherwise, but Bellew can hurt him. He punches hard, believe me.”

The Cobra, as Froch was once popularly known, earlier questioned whether or not Haye’s body could withstand 12 rounds of punishment.

He shared with The Sun: "If Haye’s body holds up and he can get through 12 rounds, it’s going to be a tough fight for both of them.

“But, you’ve got to be unsure if he can, considering all of the surgeries and injuries he has had. You don’t know if he’s got the physical capabilities to go the 12 rounds.”

Haye was bested by Bellew in their earlier meeting after sustaining an Achilles injury in the sixth round. He has since had surgery to repair the injury, but had to postpone the original date set for their rematch due to yet another injury sustained during training.

The fighter from Bermondsey insists that his injury woes are behind him and said: “Everything is fine and I just need to keep it this way. It’s like a car having a major service — new tyres, new clutch, oil change, everything has been revamped."

Indeed, Haye’s approach to this fight week suggests a more focused fighter. Their first bout's build-up was marred by controversy and altercations with Haye playing a central role. However, he has seemed calm and focused this time around, at least for the most part.

Froch has definitely taken notice and perhaps in a fit of nostalgia, backed Haye’s experience to see him through.

“David looked very good at the weigh-in, calm and very confident. If he can rekindle the old flame, one last time, it might just be enough. I can see this going the distance and it will be close but if he can pick the rounds up and see it through, Haye will nick it on points.”