David Haye underwent surgery on right Achilles to leave career in tatters following shock defeat to Tony Bellew
Hayemaker was crocked in the sixth round but managed to fight on until 11th when corner eventually threw in the towel
DAVID HAYE underwent surgery on his ruptured right Achilles to leave his career in tatters following a shock defeat to Tony Bellew.
The Hayemaker was crocked in the sixth round but managed to fight on until the 11th when his corner eventually threw in the towel.
Haye was kept in hospital all day for assessment before doctors decided he needed to go under the knife tonight to repair the damage.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest boxing news, gossip and rumours
And Bellew’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, called on the veteran to retire.
He said: “He should retire. Haye took this fight for the wrong reasons in the first place.”
Haye also faces the prospect of a fine or even a ban on Wednesday when boxing chiefs discuss his comments during the build-up to Saturday’s fight.
The Hayemaker sparked fitness fears when he flew to Munich last week amid claims he was having treatment on his Achilles from specialist Dr Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt.
Bellew branded his rival a "broken man" in a fierce build-up to the bout, with Haye visiting private surgeon Professor Andreas Imhoff over an Achilles problem.
His injury is believed to have flared up again before the showdown in East London - leading to fears the fight could be called off.
The Londoner has previously pulled out of two bouts with fellow Brit Tyson Fury (cut eye, shoulder) and was mocked for blaming a defeat to Wladimir Klitschko on a broken little toe.
Haye undergoing surgery - after just his third bout back from a four-year lay-off - could spell the end for the former two-weight world champion.He underwent a shoulder op in 2014 after being told to 'seriously consider retirement' by doctors.
But after fighting his way back into contention, losing to his fellow ex-cruiserweight is likely to dash any hopes of a return to the big time.
After a slip, Haye was visibly shaken and barely survived the round before hobbling back to his corner.
Haye gave his all but eventually went down under a barrage of punches
Despite the serious injury he fought on with his leg heavily strapped before Bellew forced his trainer's hand by knocking him through the ropes.
The Bomber - who broke his right hand in the second round - later revealed he asked his rival to stop.
But warrior Haye, 36, shook his head before Bellew launched his final assault.
The Scouser was a rank outsider against his far heavier opponent but looked sharp in the opening exchanges.
And after Haye's injury, which came just as he grew into the fight, it was a matter of if not when he would claim a shock win.