Don’t write off the David Haye career as an active fighter just yet.

As the curtain fell at the London O2 arena on Saturday night, many boxing fans had one thing on their minds – what on earth happened to David Haye during his heavyweight clash with Tony Bellew?

The packed bill saw most bouts go as expected with Lee Selby, Katie Taylor and Ohara Davies all coming out on top with classy performances.

The main event however was a completely different story.

Boxing fans were divided going into this fight with many wanting Bellew to win, but conceding that Haye would be too quick and would likely overpower the Scouse cruiserweight.

(Bellew speaking today at Everton Football Club)

Round 11 saw the end for Haye, after battling an injury from the mid rounds on Saturday night.

In the midst of flying bombs, Bellew managed to land some punches that whilst didn’t look to hurt the Bermondsey man, still sent him off balance, onto the canvas and through the ropes.

Sad scenes ensued as the defiant Hayemaker hopped through the ropes just in time to make the count, only for his team to throw in the towel.

The question of what is next for David Haye is on everyone’s lips, with many calling for the former World Champion to call it a day, whilst the shout of a rematch with a fully fit Haye is echoed by others.

Many think that the David Haye career as an active fighter is now beyond his control, and he is at the mercy of his injury which could keep him from returning to training anytime soon.

We know that David has had his injury problems big and small, without bringing up the infamous toe incident following his fight with Wladimir Klitschko a few years back.

It is safe now though to say that this will be a thing of the past, forgotten about, after fighting on for several rounds through what we now know to be a torn Achilles and twisted knee which would surely have stopped most athletes in their tracks against Bellew:

Home from Achilles reattachment surgery. I’m overwhelmed with your Positivity, Love & Support.From the bottom of my heart,Thank you all.?? pic.twitter.com/EogiWi1gR5

— David Haye (@mrdavidhaye) March 6, 2017

David Haye has gained immense respect for his defiant performance which is why, god willing, he must heal well and lace up his gloves and boots again.

You could be forgiven for thinking that the world is Bellew’s oyster after such a victory, but in fact, the opposite is very true.

It is unlikely that he will stay at heavyweight for two reasons.

One – he cannot carry the extra weight into the championship rounds and two – he lacks the power to trouble heavyweights.

Unless he really is serious about a title fight title that is, in which case it is probable that he is just cashing in for one last payday.

Move back to cruiserweight and carry on making defences of the WBC title? Or does he unify the division by fighting the likes of Denis Lebedev?

Both would be of little interest to ever-demanding boxing fans who want massive fights in the biggest arenas, on a consistent basis.

Love him or hate him, David Haye has been feared across the globe for his lightening hands and formidable power.

After watching his body fail him again, many top heavyweights will now be chomping at the bit relishing a chance to get a big scalp on their record.

This means that injuries aside, David Haye can basically reset his career and start rebuilding for big fights which will be more obtainable given his new enhanced respect and the new perception of his physical frailty and diminished power at elite level.

As a 36 year heavyweight, Haye is not particularly old and this could be the spark that he has so badly needed to initiate an exciting endgame to an excellent career overall thus far.