David Haye's rematch with Tony Bellew has been postponed until 2018 after Haye suffered a freak bicep injury in training.
The two fighters were due to meet on December 17 at the O2 Arena in London, in what would have been a rematch of their March bout.
Bellew was the victor in that first fight, after trainer Shane McGuigan threw in the towel in the 11th round with Haye having suffered a bruising.
Haye picked up a serious Achilles tendon injury in the sixth round of that fight and gamely hung on until the penultimate round, but another injury has put the rematch on hold.
A statement from Haye explained how he injured his bicep while training: "I am devastated to announce my much-anticipated rematch against Tony Bellew has been postponed until March 24 or May 5, subject to scheduling.
"Despite the recent injury rumours, I was in perfect condition with an incredibly strong training camp, currently weighing lighter than I have for more than five years, I couldn’t wait to get back in the ring. I was ready to rewrite the ending of the Haye Bellew saga.
"Unfortunately, after a freak accident during a stair conditioning session, which I’ve done with no incident hundreds of times, I lost my footing, slipped, so instinctively grabbed the bannister to stop myself toppling down the stairwell, in doing so I somehow managed to damage my bicep in the process.
"This afternoon I underwent a procedure to repair it, this was pretty straightforward and my doctor and physiotherapist have no doubt that not only will I make a full recovery but will be able to be back in the gym to start my arm rehabilitation in two weeks."
The two camps will now work towards a new date for the rematch early in 2018, with news on a new date expected this week.
Bellew added: "I'm gutted that the rematch with David has been postponed, both for myself but more for the fans. "I've had a tough camp with a lot going on in my life but was ready to repeat my win from March.
"I'll get over this disappointment over Christmas with my family and will be straight back into camp for a new date, it's a big disappointment but as always I leave my career in the hands of Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing who will get me back in there ASAP."
