Former heavyweight champion David Haye has admitted that Tony Bellew has "the heart of a lion" after the 34-year-old Liverpudlian produced a memorable shock victory over the Londoner at the O2 Arena.

Bellew stunned the boxing world with a historic display to force Haye's corner to throw in the towel during the 11th, after a thrilling fight that saw Haye battle on from the sixth with an apparent Achilles injury.

"I've knocked out guys a lot bigger and stronger but he has the heart of a lion," Haye told BBC Radio 5 live after the fight.

"I gave it my best and it wasn't good enough. He was by far the better fighter tonight. He dug deep and took my best shots and put me down.

"I would love to do it again, I have never been in a fight like that. If the fans want to see it again I would do it again. We'll do it on his terms, in his town - he deserves it."

The defeat was only Haye's third across a 31-fight career.