David Haye Pulled Out Of Tony Bellew Rematch After Failing Down Stairs

It's official. David Haye's highly anticipated rematch with Tony Bellew is OFF.

Haye and Bellew were set to go toe-to-toe once again at the O2 Arena on December 17, but to the disappointment of boxing fans everywhere, an injury means that the fight has been postponed.

After rumours emerged on social media surrounding the injury, it has emerged that the 37-year-old suffered a freak accident during a stair conditioning session.

"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 instinctively grabbed the bannister to stop myself toppling down the stairwell, in doing so I somehow managed to damage my bicep in the process." said Haye via Boxing News Online.

"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."

After months of negotiation, Bellew and Haye finally struck a deal to fight again following their thrilling encounter in March and with the two fighters already going through 11 grueling rounds together, the animosity leading up to fight was very real.

Speaking exclusively to SPORTbible, Haye said: "There's definitely no good blood. After the fight we paid our respects to each other, we both had a epic battle, he's said since the fight he regrets the handshake and embrace we had after the fight."

And though his Achilles is now heeled following the best medical treatment, it turns out a freak accident on the stairs has ruined his chances of another rematch with Bellew.

"I am devastated to announce my much-anticipated rematch against Tony Bellew has been postponed until March 24 or May 5, subject to scheduling," said Haye via Boxing News Online.

"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."

Let's hope Bellew and Haye manage to organise another rematch.

Topics: David Haye, Tony Bellew

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_