David Haye releases positive injury update amid rumours of return

The former world heavyweight champion ruptured his Achilles tendon in Saturday's shock defeat to Tony Bellew

David Haye has spoken for the first time since undergoing surgery on the Achilles tendon he ruptured in defeat to Tony Bellew.

The former WBA world heavyweight champion sustained the injury in the sixth round of Saturday’s grudge match at London’s O2 Arena.

Haye’s mobility was severely impaired by the problem, but he fought on until the eleventh, when the unfancied Bellew finally dispatched his stricken opponent through the ropes.

Haye left the venue in an ambulance before undergoing an operation to reattach the affected tendon. On Monday, he updated his supporters on his progress via his official Instagram account.

“Back home now chillin' with feet up, after a very successful Achilles reattachment surgery,” he wrote. “Strangely after such an action packed fight, I have no aches and pains other than my freshly reattached Achilles.

“Professor James Frame and Kevin Lidlow are very happy with the outcome of my surgery, and are very confident of a 100% recovery back to full fitness.”

“I'm truly overwhelmed with all the positive messages of love and support. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all.

“Time to catch up with family and friends before the rehab programme starts tomorrow night.”

Earlier the same day, Carl Froch, the former world super-middleweight champion, suggested that Haye will return to the ring once his recovery is complete.

“I don't think it's the end of him,” he told Sky Sports, having spoken to Haye. “The Achilles heel is fixed and he's adamant he will be coming back and he wants to fight again. First and foremost for David Haye, he wants the rematch with Bellew.

“He's told me he wants to come again - 100 per cent,” Froch added. “He said to me and I quote, 'I will win a heavyweight world title', but I want the rematch with Bellew first.'”