David Haye has been forced to pull out of his heavyweight rematch against Tony Bellew due to an arm injury.

The former world heavyweight champion was due to renew his long-running rivalry with Bellew at the O2 Arena in London on December 17, but now requires surgery on his injury and has had to withdraw from the bout.

The pair initially fought on March 4 when Bellew stopped Haye in the 11th round after the latter had earlier torn his Achilles tendon.

Haye struggled through the majority of the fight with the injury before Bellew picked up his first win at heavyweight having stepped up from cruiserweight for the fight.

Official confirmation of Haye's withdrawal is expected later this afternoon.