David Haye told to quit boxing after former heavyweight champ pulls out of Tony Bellew rematch with injury
FORMER world heavyweight champion David Haye has been told to RETIRE after pulling out of his rematch with Tony Bellew.
The Hayemaker, 37, has been forced to quit the December 17 fight because of a bicep injury that has already seen him undergo surgery.
Matchroom Sport confirmed they are working on rearranging a new date in 2018.
The rematch could take place on either March 24 or May 5, Haye confirmed.
But fight fans have made it clear they think the Londoner should call time on a career that has been derailed by numerous injuries.
Haye said he was "devastated" at having to pull out of the fight with Bellew - but claims he will be back in the gym "in two weeks" to start his rehab.
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David Haye injury history
- 2002 - Commenwealth 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
Haye and Bellew had been in training to meet in a rematch at The O2 on December 17, after Bellew shocked the world with a knockout win earlier this year.
Haye said: "I’m gutted that the rematch with David has been postponed, both for myself but more for the fans.
MAR BAD NEWS David Haye’s heavyweight bout against Tony Bellew postponed with rematch scheduled for March after injury pullout
"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."
Haye had been slowed by an Achilles injury in the fist fight, requiring heavy strapping to get through the rounds before an 11th round stoppage by the Liverpudlian.
It was the latest in the long line of injuries for the former heavyweight champ.
He pulled out of two proposed fights with Tyson Fury because of a cut hand and a shoulder injury, while he broke a toe in defeat against Wladimir Klitschko.
That followed the cancellation of a meeting between the pair in 2009, when he hurt his back in the build up to a world title shot.
Haye required surgery after the first Bellew fight and spent a lengthy spell away from the ring recovering before returning to set-up the highly-anticipated rematch.
But now it appears the injury picked up is a new one - which will disappoint thousands of boxing fans around the world and put his career into doubt.
