Tony Bellew’s rematch with David Haye is on hold after the latter slipped on the stairs, forcing him to pull out of their scheduled December 17 bout.In a statement, Haye said he damaged his biceps as he attempted to grab the bannister.“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,” Haye added, per BBC Sport."I would like to apologise to Tony, his family and his training team, as well as all our fans who have been left disappointed."Bellew reacted to the news with a simple emoji on Twitter that sums up just how he feels.

It’s a huge disappointment given how their first meeting went back in March. Haye was on top through the early exchanges when, in the sixth round, he ruptured his Achilles.

Bellew then seized the advantage and won via technical knockout in the 11th round.

Haye has always insisted that Bellew benefitted from his injury, so it’s unfortunate we’ll have to wait for them to meet again.

The rematch could now take place on March 24 or May 5 of 2018.

Dillian Whyte has tweeted Bellew

In the meantime, Bellew has received requests to fight from both Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte.

Back in October, Whyte, who has a 22-1 record, called Bellew a “coward” and offered to fight him for free.

And Haye’s withdrawal has presented the 29-year-old with another chance to challenge Bellew, which he has done on Twitter.

“Let’s not let the boxing fans down @EddieHearn I will fight Bellew @TonyBellew in December and beat him up even without a proper training camp @SkySportsBoxing,” he wrote.

Based on the reaction to Whyte’s tweet, boxing fans are all for Bellew v Whyte.

Bellew doesn't seem up for it

However, Bellew has given an indication of what he thinks by liking a tweet from a fan who said Whyte’s fights are “predominantly eyesores”.

Bellew added another tweet later on, sadly saying he will use this time to grieve the loss of his brother.

“I’m sorry is all I can say! I was ready to go ahead with this fight regardless of my teams wishes but I always show up and get in and give it everything.

“I will sit down with @eddiehearn soon and will now use this time wisely with my family and get over the loss of our brother 💔.”