LONDON, England - Tony Bellew has admitted his shock victory over David Haye could be his last.
The Liverpudlian fighter stepped up to heavyweight to take on bitter rival Haye before stopping his heavily-injured foe in the 11th round on Saturday night to register a stunning win.
Despite winning a maiden world title in front of a home crowd at Goodison Park last year, victory at a packed O2 over the much-more experienced Haye, albeit significantly hampered by a ruptured Achilles, is arguably the highlight of the Bomber's already glittering career.
Promoter Eddie Hearn believes Bellew has up to five fights left in him and in the immediate aftermath of his win, Bellew spoke about another bout at the loftier weight, talking about possible fights with current world champions Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker.
But as the dust settles the man himself has admitted doubts over just how much more he can put his 34-year-old body through have him considering his options.
“I don't know how many times more I can put my body and family through this,” Bellew told BBC Radio 5 Live. “It (retirement) is an option. It's something I'm thinking about.”
Bellew - who broke his right hand early in the fight - says away from possible retirement he has a number of avenues available to him.
“If people want to come and talk to me... I don't know what's going to happen, but it will have to be something special,” he added. “I am the best heavyweight in the world outside the champions, and none of them have a name like David Haye on their record, so what does that mean?”
It was announced on Sunday night that Haye's Achilles injury had been operated on. A statement from the fighter's representatives read: “David underwent surgery to his right Achilles this afternoon, after completely rupturing the tendon during Saturday night's fight with Tony Bellew.
“David would like to thank everyone for their many messages of support, as well as the staff at the hospital.”