Boxer David Haye injured himself in a ‘freak accident,’ withdrew from a big-money fight, and now looks like ‘a broken man’

David Haye went out on his shield against Tony Bellew in Febuary.Dan Mullan / Getty Images

• David Haye damaged his bicep in a freak gym accident preparing for his December ruckus with boxing rival Tony Bellew.
• A “devastated” Haye has been forced to withdraw from the Bellew bout and now looks like a “broken man,” according to promoter Eddie Hearn.

Heavyweight boxer David Haye looks “like a broken man” according to boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.

Haye injured himself in a “freak” gym accident, damaged his bicep, and was forced to withdraw from a lucrative rematch against British rival Tony Bellew at the 02 Arena in London on Sunday December 17.

A “devastated” Haye said: “After a freak accident during a stair conditioning session, which I’ve done hundreds of times before, I lost my footing, slipped and instinctively grabbed the bannister to stop myself falling down the stairwell and in doing so managed to damage my bicep.”

“He was distraught… I’ve not seen David like that before,” Hearn explained to 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.”

Haye has undergone a procedure to repair the damage and was told by doctors he will make a full recovery. He will begin arm rehabilitation in two weeks.

Haye boxed Bellew earlier this year in February. The former heavyweight champion, looking to return to the top of the division, was expected to ease past Bellew but the Londoner was forced to fight on one leg after injuring his Achilles.

Bellew took advantage of the injury, loaded up on his punches, and sent Haye flying through the ropes in a dramatic showdown at the 02 Arena.

As a result, Haye “wanted the [rematch] badly,” Hearn said. “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.”

The plan is to “reschedule” the fight for next year, according to Hearn.

Tony Bellew and David Haye’s rematch could now be rescheduled for 2018.Getty Images