David Haye has suggested that he will be able to return to training in just two weeks after being forced to undergo surgery on a bicep injury.
On Monday, Haye pulled out of his heavyweight rematch with Tony Bellew - scheduled for December 17 - after slipping on a stairwell during a training exercise, which led to an arm injury being sustained when attempting to hold onto a banister.
Haye has since undergone a minor operation, but the former two-weight world champion has claimed that the fight will be able to take place, either in March or May.
The 37-year-old is quoted by Matchroom Sport as saying: "I am devastated to announce my much-anticipated rematch against Tony Bellew has been postponed until March 24 or May 5, subject to scheduling. 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.
"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 banister to stop myself toppling down the stairwell, in doing so I somehow managed to damage my bicep in the process.
"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.
"I would like to apologise to Tony, his family and his training team, as well as all our fans who have been left disappointed. I've been solely focused on this fight and it's extremely frustrating that I couldn't finish 2017 with just my ring performance doing the talking. I look forward to getting back to training and into the ring in early 2018 with excitement and determination."
Bellew has previously stated that he would like to face WBO champion Joseph Parker should Haye withdraw from their second bout.
