David Haye has issued a statement to confirm that he has been forced to postpone his rematch with Tony Bellew due to an arm injury that he suffered in a “freak accident”, with the former heavyweight world champion apologising to his opponent for the delay.

Haye confirmed that the rematch will still take place, with talks now underway to schedule the bout on either 24 March of 5 May, depending on the availability of the O2 Arena. The former WBA world heavyweight and unified cruiserweight champion was forced to pull out of the 17 December rematch on Monday after suffering a partially torn bicep after falling down some stairs during training.

The 37-year-old was already completing his rehab from surgery on a ruptured Achilles that he suffered in his right ankle during the sixth round of his first bout with Bellew, which the Liverpudlian claimed with an 11th-round stoppage back in March.

David Haye vs Tony Bellew - in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 David Haye vs Tony Bellew - in pictures David Haye vs Tony Bellew - in pictures David Haye vs Tony Bellew Tony Bellew was first to the ring at the O2 Arena. Getty Images David Haye vs Tony Bellew - in pictures David Haye vs Tony Bellew David Haye made Bellew wait as he made his way to the ring slowly. Getty Images David Haye vs Tony Bellew - in pictures David Haye vs Tony Bellew Bellew impressed in the first round but Haye thought back to take the advantage. Getty Images David Haye vs Tony Bellew - in pictures David Haye vs Tony Bellew Haye was leading the fight when he suffered an injury tp his ankle. Getty Images David Haye vs Tony Bellew - in pictures David Haye vs Tony Bellew Haye limps back to his corner after suffering the injury. Getty Images David Haye vs Tony Bellew - in pictures David Haye vs Tony Bellew Trainer Shane McGuigan had to remove tape that he put around Haye's ankle. Getty Images David Haye vs Tony Bellew - in pictures David Haye vs Tony Bellew With Haye injured, Bellew was able to attack him at will without fear of being tagged. Getty Images David Haye vs Tony Bellew - in pictures David Haye vs Tony Bellew Haye was sent crashing out of the ring by a left hook to the head by Bellew. AFP/Getty Images David Haye vs Tony Bellew - in pictures David Haye vs Tony Bellew Bellew celebrates his victory over Haye. Getty Images David Haye vs Tony Bellew - in pictures David Haye vs Tony Bellew Bellew celebrates after the fight is stopped in round 11. Getty Images David Haye vs Tony Bellew - in pictures David Haye vs Tony Bellew Haye was pulled out of the fight by trainer Shane McGuigan. Getty Images David Haye vs Tony Bellew - in pictures David Haye vs Tony Bellew Haye looked disconsolate after the fight. Getty Images David Haye vs Tony Bellew - in pictures David Haye vs Tony Bellew Haye confirmed he intends to remain in the ring and will not retire. Getty Images David Haye vs Tony Bellew - in pictures David Haye vs Tony Bellew Bellew and Haye were both complimentary of each other afterwards despite the rivalry. Getty Images David Haye vs Tony Bellew - in pictures David Haye vs Tony Bellew Both Haye and Bellew said they were open to a rematch. Getty Images

“I am devastated to announce my much-anticipated rematch against Tony Bellew has been postponed until 24th March of 5th May 2018 subject to scheduling,” Haye said on Twitter.

“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 hundreds of times before, I lost my, slipped and instinctively grabbed the bannister to stop myself falling down the stairwell and in doing so managed to damage my bicep. 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, and all of Team Bellew, as well as 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 and Haye hold a fierce rival that stems from their previous stints in the cruiserweight division, but after Haye battled on with the serious ankle injury for a valiant five rounds and Bellew upset the odds to win the contest, the two spoke glowingly of each other and the build-up to the rematch has been somewhat subdued compared to the usual fireworks seen between the two.

David Haye's career in numbers

Bellew himself is going through a difficult time following the death of his brother-in-law, Ashley Roberts, who was killed in August while on a family holiday in Cancun where he was celebrating a friend’s wedding. It has been reported that he fell from a balcony.

After learning of Haye’s withdrawal this week, Bellew responded with frustration after putting himself through his latest training camp at a time of emotional torment, and also suggested that he will need certain guarantees over Haye’s ability to make it to next year’s eventual rematch without suffering another injury.

Bellew's brother-in-law died in August (Getty)

“It's heart-breaking, it's devastating," Bellew said on Tuesday. “To get the phone call that David is out was a shattering blow. I've spent thousands of pounds on a camp. I've been in camp for 10 weeks of a 14-week camp. My trainer, Dave Coldwell, has spent half that time coming to Liverpool to help me get over the personal problems that I've had.

“This is the fourth fight that David has pulled out of in his last eight scheduled bouts. Once against Wladimir Klitschko, two against Tyson Fury and now me. He has torn some serious muscle groups in his body. Both biceps, his Achilles, his hamstring - what is going to go next?