After coming off the back of beating David Haye in his first fight as a heavyweight, no one was really sure what the next step for Tony Bellew would be - even Bellew himself!

In the immediate aftermath of his epic bout with Haye, Bellew's promoter Eddie Hearn had been confident the former cruiserweight world champion would fight again in 2017.

However, over a month has now passed and speculation regarding the 34-year-old's future has been rife with rumours he is about to retire.

And Bellew appeared to endorse those rumours in his column for The Metro on Thursday, where he openly discussed the various options currently open to him.

The Liverpudlian confirmed he will be making a formal announcement next week but unless something emerges from meetings being held this weekend, his time in the ring will be coming to an end.

"I’m not far off knowing what I’m going to, I’ve got to go through a few things with Eddie, but at the moment I’m thinking enough is enough," Bellew wrote.

"At the moment, I’m retiring."

But before Bellew fans become too disheartened he did reveal that his decision is not yet set in stone and one thing could keep him in the sport - a world title shot.

Given the size and weight difference, David Haye's recent conqueror has frequently ruled out an all-British showdown with Anthony Joshua, who is set to fight Wladimir Klitschko at the end of the month.

However, Bellew hasn't ruled out a fight with either Deontay Wilder or Joseph Parker, providing Hearn's talks with their respective camps are encouraging.

He added: "But, I don’t know what Eddie will come up with. He’s had various meetings with Deontay Wilder’s promoter Al Haymon in the US, he’s met representatives of Joseph Parker.

"If I was to continue, the only thing that could motivate me is to become the heavyweight champion of the world.

"But then I also do have this factor of the Bermondsey Bitch who keeps talking about me…

"Ultimately the goal for me was to get home safely. I’ve done that now, is there anything left to prove?

"I don’t think so, but it’s got a nice ring to it: Tony Bellew, heavyweight champion of the world."

Bellew did dismiss any chance of going toe-to-toe with Tyson Fury, though, and is reluctant to jump back into the ring just for the sake of it.

"Tyson Fury keeps coming up. If he loses about five stone we can sit down. Until then, I think he’s a step too far."