David Haye to fight rival Tony Bellew on May 5 at O2 after pulling out of rematch with injury
The fight will be on a Saturday, with Haye expected to have recovered from the injury he had surgery on
DAVID HAYE will have his rematch against Tony Bellew on May 5, it has been revealed.
The Hayemaker was forced to pull out of their scheduled fight this month after suffering a bicep injury.
But the two boxers were adamant that the fight was not "cancelled", and merely "postponed".
And now the date has been set, with Bellew, 35, promising that he will finally "end" the "Haye chapter", before taking on Tyson Fury.
Speaking about fight night, Bellew said: "I’m pleased to get a new date in the diary and I look forward to giving boxing fans a great night on May 5.
"To be honest I was looking forward to a great victory in December and a relaxing family break over Christmas but my mind is still very much on this fight and I will punish him for that.
"I now have a very clear plan for 2018 and that is to knock out Haye and then knock out Tyson ‘Stavros Flatley’ Fury and end both their careers.
"But first things first I need to rid the sport of Haye on May 5 and I look forward to doing this in what I believe will be an explosive fight.”
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Haye suffered an injury to his bicep after "a freak accident during a stair conditioning session". He was forced to have surgery.
The 37-year-old added: "I'm thrilled to confirm that The Rematch between myself and Bellew will take place on Saturday 5th May, returning to The O2 Arena.
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"While the first chapter of the Haye vs Bellew saga didn’t go my way, fans were left on the edge of their seats throughout the thrilling eleven round battle.
"The Rematch in May will no doubt eclipse this, Tony has boasted that The Rematch gives him the opportunity to force me into retirement.
"Unquestionably, I step into the ring on Saturday, May 5 with both my career and legacy on the line.
"After my freak accident down a stairwell last month I was heartbroken not to give everyone the ending to 2017 I wanted.
"Since then I had to accept the cards I had been dealt, remain positive and focus on factors which are within my control; rehabilitation and rescheduling the fight.
"Over the past five years, I’ve had a number of challenges to overcome, but learnt often during times of adversity we learn and grow.
"As a result, come May 5, Tony will be faced with a more experienced and more determined opponent.
"On Saturday, May 5, whether you are lucky enough to witness the showcase live, or tune in from home on Sky Box Office, you will not be disappointed. I will give fans the ending I have promised.
"In 2018 the Hayemaker will be back and I will once again give fans the biggest, most explosive, blockbuster fight nights they deserve”
Tickets for the original December 17 date are still valid for this event.
Any returned tickets will be returned on general sale via www.theO2.co.uk on Thursday December 14 at midday.