Tony Bellew

The Merseysider floored Haye twice in the third round and the fight was waved off in the fifth after the 37-year-old toppled to the canvas again, with Bellew producing a second successive stoppage victory at The O2.

Haye appeared to injure his troublesome right leg, just as he did in their first fight, and will be forced to consider retirement, but Bellew can look ahead to more major fights either at heavyweight or cruiserweight.

Former cruiserweight world champion Bellew and ex-heavyweight title holder Haye had been due to renew their rivalry on December 17, only for the fight to be postponed after the latter tore his bicep in an accident on a stairwell.

Bellew claimed a stunning victory in their first meeting on March 4, defying the odds as Haye was rendered immobile by an ankle injury, leading his corner to throw in the towel in the 11th round.

That's the view of fellow Brit Tony Bellew who has delivered a personal column where he dishes out his harsh realities for New Zealand's WBO heavyweight champion.

The handlers of Parker and Joshua are locked in negotiations for a unification fight.

Bellew has penned his column ahead of his juicy rematch with David Haye in London next month.

Bellew noted the injury rumours around Haye and said he would be happy to switch his attention to Parker if the Haye fight fell over.

The Merseysider is considering his future plans after a stunning victory over David Haye this month and has suggested he will stay at heavyweight.

Whyte was umimpressed with Bellew's victory, telling the WBC cruiserweight champion that he did not belong in the top division, and 'The Bomber' has issued a dismissive response.

Haye was forced to fight on one leg after sustaining the injury in the sixth round on Saturday night and the fight was eventually stopped in the 11th when the former heavyweight champion's corner threw in the towel after he had been knocked through the ropes.

A statement from the fighter's representatives on Sunday night read: "David underwent surgery to his right Achilles this afternoon, after completely rupturing the tendon during Saturday night's fight with Tony Bellew.

The feuding heavyweights shared a last verbal exchange ahead of Saturday's fight at The O2, live on Sky Sports Box Office, and Bellew immediately addressed rumours about Haye's physical condition.

Haye was asked to dismiss reports of an Achilles injuries when he attended Wednesday's media workout and Bellew urged his rival not to bring up any fitness problems after their heavyweight clash.

WBC cruiserweight champion Bellew is competing as a heavyweight for the first time against Haye, who has also made the same transition through the two weight classes. Haye weighed a career-high 227.5lbs (16st 3lb 5oz) for his comeback against Mark de Mori a year ago before trimming off 3.5lbs against Arnold Gjergjaj in his most recent win, but Bellew wants to be even lighter.

Bellew has repeatedly made fun of Haye spending time with 'acquaintances and celebrity mates' throughout his time on America's east coast, doubting the intensity of his rival's work ethic.

"I could turn up to this fight in the worst condition I've ever been in, and still knock him out inside one round," Haye told Sky Sports News HQ about his March 4 showdown with Bellew, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

The Merseysider is preparing for his eagerly-awaited domestic clash with Haye, live on Sky Sports Box Office, and has questioned the desire of his 36-year-old opponent.

Haye made his comeback after a lengthy injury lay-off this year, but Bellew has suggested the former two-weight world champion does not have the same mental toughness and plans to push him to breaking point.

"What I will tell you is, if this fight goes past four rounds, he's going to quit," said the current WBC cruiserweight champion

WBC cruiserweight champion Bellew (28-2-1-KO18) is stepping up to heavyweight for the first time in his career to take on bitter British rival Haye (28-2-KO26) on March 4, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Earlier this week, Bellew claimed he could become "prince of the heavyweights" - with Anthony Joshua the king - by beating Haye but he says he has unfinished business at cruiserweight first.