Haye vs Bellew 2 CONFIRMED: David Haye and Tony Bellew rematch on December 17

Bellew won the first encounter between the two after Haye’s corner threw in the towel in the 11th round.

Former cruiserweight and heavyweight champion Haye later confirmed that he had torn his Achilles tendon during the fight and offered his opponent a rematch in the ring.

But both have waited until Haye has regained fitness to confirm the fight, which will return to the O2 Arena on December 17, unusually a Sunday night, because all other Friday and Saturdays in December at the venue were already booked.

“I will have the exact same attitude I had going into the first fight – win at all costs,” said Bellew.

“I will be victorious on December 17 and I will end David Haye’s career. Another loss to me closes the curtain on the Hayemaker.”

Bellew has taken a step back from the public eye in recent weeks after his sister’s fiance and father of two Ashley Roberts passed away suddenly last month.

And the proud Evertonian promised to dedicate his second victory over Haye to the late Roberts.

“This isn’t personal anymore, it’s strictly business,” Bellew added.

“This is just another fight. My world has been put into perspective in the last four weeks, it’s been the toughest four weeks of my family’s lives and I will dedicate my victory on December 17 to my late brother-in-law.”

Haye meanwhile is looking to set himself up for retirement with a maximum of four fights which he believes will end in a clash with heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

But first he knows he must avenge the defeat he suffered earlier in the year.

“On March 4, the script was thrown out the window and the unpredictability of sport revealed itself in its most raw form. Without question ‘The Bomber’ showed great heart, grit and determination to weather the early storm,” Haye said.

“Credit to him, that he’s willing to step back into the lion’s den and do it all over again.

“He somehow won the lottery in our first fight, but believe me, he won’t win the lottery twice.

“I’ve been training every day for over six months. I already feel fitter, stronger and more athletic than I did for our first showdown!

“On December 17, I will relish the opportunity to re-write the ending of the Haye Bellew story.”

Haye has already been installed as a 4/11 favourite to make it one win apiece and set up a potential trilogy.