Two fine fighters of contrasting temperaments but shared instincts – Paulie Malignaggi and Derry Mathews – said their reluctant goodbyes to boxing at the O2 Arena in London and, while both will be missed, they were right to bow to the inevitable. Whether David Haye follows their lead should be learned in the next few days.
In the tumult after Tony Bellew’s measured and universally unexpected deconstruction of Haye in front of 20,000 fans in the main event on Saturday night Haye retreated as graciously as he could to a nearby hospital and underwent surgery on Monday for the damaged achilles that hobbled him from the sixth round to the inglorious end, when he was within four minutes of reaching the final bell.
Related: Tony Bellew contemplates rich future after shock win over David Haye
Related: Tony Bellew stops hobbling David Haye in extraordinary boxing upset
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