The boxing world is waiting to see what’s next for David Haye after his defeat to Tony Bellew earlier this month.It wasn’t necessarily the defeat that has thrown Haye’s future into doubt, more the ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered in the sixth round of the fight.Some wondered if the London would hang up his gloves. But, after undergoing surgery, Haye has vowed to return, and could even fight again this year."My mission objective hasn't changed [becoming a world heavyweight champion]. If anything I've proved to people I genuinely want it,” he recently said, per Sky Sports."After achieving so much in my career there were a lot of question marks about whether or not I really wanted to box and I think I proved to people that I am still a fighter, that I am a warrior and that this is what I want to do."I'm happy with the way the surgery went, I'm happy with the physiotherapy and I'm happy with what the doctors are saying with regard to the injury and my recovery.

"Once I'm healed up before the end of the year I believe my best will be better than my effort [against Bellew] on March 4."

Haye's next opponent

And who might Haye’s next opponent be? The logical fight is a rematch against Bellew, but the fighting industry rarely throws up logical bouts these days.

Instead, Haye has revealed that his next opponent could be an unexpected one: UFC star Jimi Manuwa.

Haye was called out by Manuwa after he defeated Corey Anderson at UFC Fight Night London on March 18.

“David Haye, lets do this,” Manuwa said. “Dana White, Eddie Hearn, lets make it happen.”

Talks are underway

If you thought Haye vs Manuwa was an unlikely meeting, think again. Not only is Haye open to the fight, but talks with Manuwa’s management and the UFC are already underway.

When asked in a Q&A if he would entertain a fight against the English light heavyweight, Haye replied: “Many people want to know the answer to this, and the answer is a resounding yes.

“I was very impressed with his quick knockout the other night at the O2 Arena and if any of the mixed martial artists can convert to being a successful boxer, he’s certainly got the body shape and the style to do so.

“We’ve heard from Manuwa’s management and the UFC so it’s something that we’re looking at at the moment.

“Obviously we’re a little way off from being confirmed but it’s a fight that would unify a lot of the UFC and boxing fans and would be a mega event.”

Not quite on the scale of Mayweather vs McGregor, of course, but it would still be a thrilling watch.

Who would win in a boxing fight between Haye and Manuwa? Let us know in the comments section below!