Promoter Eddie Hearn says David Haye looked like a broken man after withdrawing from his rematch with Tony Bellew Promoter Eddie Hearn says David Haye looked like a broken man after withdrawing from his rematch with Tony Bellew

Eddie Hearn says David Haye is "distraught" after being forced to withdraw from his rematch with Tony Bellew and expects to "suffer the wrath of the fans".

The December 17 clash at the O2 was postponed after Haye injured his bicep in a freak accident. The 37-year-old underwent a procedure on Monday afternoon and hopes to fight Bellew on March 24 or May 5.

"He was distraught; I've not seen David like that before," Hearn told Sky Sports News.

"He's a guy who's very confident in himself and his ability, he loves the limelight, and he looked like a broken man.

"He wanted the fight badly. He hates pulling out of fights, and knows he has been injured in the past and let people down.

"He knows he's going to suffer the wrath of the fans again, but what can you do?

Adam Smith explains why Haye had to pull out of his rematch with Bellew Adam Smith explains why Haye had to pull out of his rematch with Bellew

"He's a determined individual and to come back from the Achilles injury in the way he did was extremely impressive.

"I'm sure he will return from this injury as well."

Hearn says Bellew is contemplating an interim fight while Haye recovers from his latest setback, with Tyson Fury swiftly issuing a verbal challenge.

"We will look at things after the operation, look at the timescale and whether we have an interim bout ourselves or go straight into that fight," said Hearn.

"The plan is to reschedule, pending the success and rehabilitation of David Haye's injury."