David Haye takes first steps since Achilles op as he sets on road to comeback from Tony Bellew defeat

DAVID HAYE has taken his first steps since surgery on the Achilles injury suffered in his big fight defeat to Tony Bellew.

Haye had an operation to repair his torn tendon two days after his shock defeat to bitter rival Bellew at the O2 in April.

But just three days after Anthony Joshua established himself as the top heavyweight on the planet, Haye has made the first move back on the comeback trail by removing his plastic cast.

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The former world heavyweight champion had been lining up a big-money clash with Joshua before disaster struck in the middle of his hate-filled scrap with Bellew.

Haye was left a sitting duck against the world cruiserweight champion and was eventually stopped when his corner threw in the towel in the 11th rond.

Despite his shock defeat, the Hayemaker hinted he still wanted to carry on fighting when he recovered - with the prospect of a rematch against Bellew on the cards.

But with Joshua beating Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley, and Tyson Fury himself battling to regain fitness, the opportunity is still there for Haye to meet his old friend.

The fight would be a huge sell domestically, although Haye himself still needs six months building strength in his ankle before he can consider a ring return.

Posting a video on his Twitter page, Haye filmed himself discarding his boot and walking for the first time.

He said: "I'm finally out of my boot, it is time to start walking on my leg with no support.

"Slow progress, but going in the right direction.

"No pain, and it now has to improve every day, bit by bit until I am running and 100 per cent.

"A happy day."