Tony Bellew’s WBC cruiserweight champion status has been changed as a result of his move up to heavyweight.

The 34-year-old made the jump up a weight class to face David Haye this month and shocked the boxing world after the Londoner’s corner threw in the towel as he struggled with a ruptured Achilles.

However, Bellew has not fought at cruiserweight since last October after winning the title in May and because he has not stated which weight class he will fight at, the WBC has changed him to the Emeritus Champion – meaning he can return to cruiserweight to contest the title at any time.

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

Consequently, the fight this Saturday between Mairis Briedis and Marco Huck will be for the title after a unanimous decision by the WBC’s board.

In a statement, the WBC said: “Tony Bellew has become a major attraction in the heavyweight division and is at this moment uncertain of his next steps following his life changing victory.