David Haye took his first steps without support since his Achilles operation
But just three days after Anthony Joshua established himself as the top heavyweight on the planet, Haye has made the first move back on the comeback trail by removing his plastic cast.
The former world heavyweight champion had been lining up a big-money clash with Joshua before disaster struck in the middle of his hate-filled scrap with Bellew.
Haye revealed he can finally ditch the plastic support boot he has been wearing since surgery
Haye was left a sitting duck against the world cruiserweight champion and was eventually stopped when his corner threw in the towel in the 11th rond.
Despite his shock defeat, the Hayemaker hinted he still wanted to carry on fighting when he recovered - with the prospect of a rematch against Bellew on the cards.
Most read in boxing
Make it happen
Anthony Joshua to fight Wladimir Klitschko, Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury in that order, says Eddie Hearn
SWEAT IT OUT
Gervonta Davis takes THREE goes to make the weight ahead of his Copper Box clash against Liam Walsh
WHATEVER THE WETHER
Tyson Fury heads to Wetherspoons for a night out before hitting a nightclub until 2am in Manchester
Nearly There
Conor McGregor's 'billion dollar fight' with Floyd Mayweather is close as he applies for boxing licence
PRINCE OF Wales
Anthony Joshua set for mega-money rematch against Wladimir Klitschko in Cardiff
Ed start
Eddie Hearn planning for sensational rematch between Anthony Joshua and Wladimir Klitschko this year
Preview
When is Liam Walsh vs Gervonta Davis' IBF world-title fight? Undercard, tickets, venue and TV info
Who are Ger?
Who is Gervonta Davis? Floyd Mayweather protege dubbed 'Mini Mike Tyson' - all you need to know
'AMIR KARDASHIAN'
Kell Brook hammers 'media whore' Amir Khan for his celebrity lifestyle ahead of mega grudge fight
glove story
The lowdown on Marlen Esparza, Olympic hero Nicola Adams' partner and fellow professional boxer
'Let's get boxing ones'
Conor McGregor posts pic of belts with his son as Floyd Mayweather ducks Sun's question on mega-fight
'It's Official'
Conor McGregor confirms he's signed contract to fight Floyd Mayweather as mega-battle edges closer
get the F*** out
Floyd Mayweather in X-rated row with Liam Walsh's brothers ahead of Gervonta Davis world title fight
ON THE MONEY
Will Conor McGregor fight Floyd Mayweather, how much money would be at play and who would win?
SUCKER PUNCH
Former champ Amir Khan loses WBC No1 challenger spot and is immediately removed from the top 15
'It's the one fight that makes sense'
Floyd Mayweather says he can equal the £230m he earned fighting Manny Pacquiao by taking on Conor McGregor
GLENN MCCRORY
GGG will retain his grip on the middleweight boxing throne... but Canelo Alvarez will push him all the way
show me the money
Savannah Marshall joins Floyd Mayweather team to swap Hartlepool for Las Vegas
Hackers KO Amir
Boxer Amir Khan and wife Faryal rush to Dubai police station after 'sick' cyber attack
OH MY JOSH
Reaction as Anthony Joshua pulls off one of the best wins in British boxing history after stopping Klitschko
The fight would be a huge sell domestically, although Haye himself still needs six months building strength in his ankle before he can consider a ring return.
David Haye slumps on the floor after being downed by Tony BellewRichard PelhamDavid Haye said he will take it step by step on his road to recovery
Posting a video on his Twitter page, Haye filmed himself discarding his boot and walking for the first time.
He said: "I'm finally out of my boot, it is time to start walking on my leg with no support.
"Slow progress, but going in the right direction.
"No pain, and it now has to improve every day, bit by bit until I am running and 100 per cent.
Leave a comment