Tony Bellew may need surgery to repair damaged right hand broken against David Haye
Liverpool fighter paid visit to surgeon and promoter Eddie Hearn reports he could be out of the ring for five months
TONY BELLEW could be out of the ring until August .
Sky Sports report that the conqueror of David Haye may require surgery on the right hand broken in the second round of their epic fight at London's O2.
On Wednesday Bellew revealed that he had paid a visit to his surgeon, proclaiming: "The healing process starts now.!"
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The day following the fight on March 4 Bellew revealed that he had broken his hand. But hopes were high that he could enjoy a natural healing process.
Now his promoter, Eddie Hearn, has suggested his fighter may need to go under the knife.
Haye has already undergone surgery to repair a damaged Achilles, an injury sustained in the sixth round of their battle that was accompanied by a bevvy of pre-match threats.
Liverpudlian Bellew, who stepped up from cruiser-weight for the heavyweight showdown, clinched victory in the 11th round after Haye fell through the ropes and his corner threw in the towel.
Bellew was the huge underdog against former world heavyweight champion Haye but having overcome the odds to land the biggest win of his career Hearn believes that Joseph Parker, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury are all possible future opponents - once he is fit again.
Hearn told : "We're going to fight this year, 100%. Like Tony said, the decision will be made by him and his family and it's my job to present the opportunities to him. I believe the Haye rematch will be one of those opportunities.
"Part of Tony Bellew wanted to beat him fully fit. There are some unanswered questions. It was an epic event, it was a thrilling fight but the Haye rematch certainly remains one of the biggest fights out there for both guys."