David Haye vs Tony Bellew rematch postponed as Hayemaker reveals he has had surgery on arm injury… the fight is being re-arranged for March
DAVID HAYE has pulled out of his rematch with Tony Bellew after picking up a bicep injury.
The pair were scheduled to clash for the second time on December 17 at the O2 Arena, but the bout will now take place in March or May.
Haye has suffered an injury to his bicep after "a freak accident during a stair conditioning session". He has already undergone surgery.
In a statement posted on Matchroom's website, Haye said: “I am devastated to announce my much-anticipated rematch against Tony Bellew has been postponed until March 24 or May 5, subject to scheduling.
“Despite the recent injury rumours, I was in perfect condition with an incredibly strong training camp, currently weighing lighter than I have for more than five years, I couldn’t wait to get back in the ring.
"I was ready to rewrite the ending of the Haye Bellew saga.
“Unfortunately, after a freak accident during a stair conditioning session, which I’ve done with no incident hundreds of times, I lost my footing, slipped.
"So I instinctively grabbed the bannister to stop myself toppling down the stairwell, in doing so I somehow managed to damage my bicep in the process.
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"This afternoon I underwent a procedure to repair it, this was pretty straightforward and my doctor and physiotherapist have no doubt that not only will I make a full recovery but will be able to be back in the gym to start my arm rehabilitation in two weeks.
“I would like to apologise to Tony, his family and his training team, as well as all our fans who have been left disappointed.
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"I’ve been solely focussed on this fight and it’s extremely frustrating that I couldn’t finish 2017 with just my ring performance doing the talking.
"I look forward to getting back to training and into the ring in early 2018 with excitement and determination.”
Tony Bellew was understandably disappointed at the news.
He said: “I’m gutted that the rematch with David has been postponed, both for myself but more for the fans.
“I’ve had a tough camp with a lot going on in my life but was ready to repeat my win from March.
“I’ll get over this disappointment over Christmas with my family and will be straight back into camp for a new date, it’s a big disappointment but as always I leave my career in the hands of Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing who will get me back in there ASAP.”
Fans can either get a refund for the fight, or exchange once a new date has been agreed.
Tyson Fury, who is still seeking to win back his boxing licence, and Dillian Whyte have both offered to step in to replace the injured Haye.
SunSport reported last week how rumours were circulating that the fight was in serious doubt due to an injury picked up by the challenger.
The Boxing Voice Podcast podcast claimed that an insider in Haye’s camp revealed the 37-year-old "has the unknown injury" – possibly costing him his chance of revenge against the Scouser.
Haye has struggled with the Achilles injury he picked up in the first explosive fight between the pair back in March - which .
Haye required surgery after the fight and spent a lengthy spell away from the ring recovering before returning to set-up the highly-anticipated rematch.
David Haye's Catalogue Of Injuries
2002 - Commonwealth Games - Bicep
2005 - Mark Hobson - Hamstring
2009 - Wladimir Klitschko - Back
2011 - Wladimir Klitschko - Little toe
2013 - Manuel Charr - Hand
2013 - Tyson Fury - Cut hand
2013 - Tyson Fury - Shoulder
2017 - Tony Bellew - Achilles
2017 - Tony Bellew - Bicep
But the injury picked up is a new one - which will disappoint thousands of boxing fans around the world.
Bellew had promised to retire Haye and insisted that their rematch would be "more explosive" than the original.
The Liverpool-born fighter previously said: “I’m going to end David Haye’s career on December 17th.
“I don’t care what people think. Tell me I’m crazy, tell me I’m stupid.
“He’s been very silent and playing the nice guy at the moment. If you need me to be the bad guy mate, I can be whatever you want me to be."
Sadly now for the sport of boxing, ANOTHER new injury to Haye could well have put paid to his career before he has even stepped foot back into the ring.
Interestingly, Tony Bellew tweeted out a 'sad face' emoji this afternoon, although he has not confirmed this is linked with the fight being called off.
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