David Haye Achilles damage revealed in graphic pictures of boxer’s surgery after Tony Bellew defeat
Haye had surgery hours after losing grudge clash with Bellew having fought on for five rounds with injury before his corner threw in the towel to end a thrilling fight in London
THE true extent of David Haye's Achilles injury can be revealed - in a graphic picture of the boxer undergoing surgery.
Haye fought on for five rounds after his ankle gave way during his grudge heavyweight clash with Tony Bellew last Saturday.
SCROLL DOWN FOR GRAPHIC PICTURE OF DAVID HAYE'S ANKLE DURING SURGERY
And now SunSport can show you just how much damage was done to the tendon, which Haye said resembled a mess of spaghetti by the time surgery was carried out.
Surgeons worked to untangle the mess of fibres in the Achilles in a lengthy operation which has left the ex-world heavyweight champion in a cast up to his knee.
Haye won huge respect for the way he continued to fight on looking for the knock-out against Bellew despite only having the full use of one leg.
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His trainer Shane McGuigan eventually threw in the towel in the 11th round in front of an astonished sell-out crowd at London's O2 Arena.
Haye is hopeful the operation on Sunday will prove a success and allow him to make a full return to ring action at the beginning of next year.
He expects to be sidelined for up to nine months, but is already targeting a rematch with surprise winner Bellew.
Haye said: "Other athletes have come back, I’m in good condition, I live a very healthy lifestyle.
"I have never been more sure that I will fight again, 100 per cent. I've got no other aches and pains apart from the leg.
"[The operation] went well, they’ve done a similar operation on other athletes, long jumpers, high jumpers, basketball players, they had them and come back in their 30s.
"I'm looking forward to getting back in there."