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David Haye has pulled out of his heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury in the MEN Arena in Manchester next Saturday – although the physical evidence of a deep cut along the Londoner's left eyebrow may just sooth the frustrations of the 20,000 fans who had sold out the venue inside 24 hours.
His promotional company, Hayemaker Boxing, said the fight had been postponed indefinitely "due to a deep cut suffered during the final spar of training camp". No date has been set for a rescheduled meeting between the two most exciting heavyweights in the country but, if the damage is as serious as claimed, they will do well to meet this side of Christmas.
Fury's promoter, Mick Hennessy, initially offered no comment, and there is an outside possibility the fight might be shelved altogether.
The cancellation is a major setback to the world title ambitions of both fighters. Haye, a former WBA champion, hoped victory would lead to a chance to challenge again for a world belt, against Vitali Klitschko; Fury reckoned he was in line for a shot at Vitali's brother, Wladimir, who owns the other three versions of the championship.
"Gutted isn't even the word," Haye said. "Mentally, I'm on the floor at the moment. I'm devastated most of all for my loyal fans, my family and my team, as well as Tyson Fury and his team.
"I know injuries and cuts are part and parcel of our sport, but this doesn't change the feeling of disappointment and sadness I'm experiencing right now. To everyone who has bought tickets, booked hotels, and followed this fight since it was announced, there is absolutely nothing I can do except apologise from the very bottom of my heart.
"Even when everything seems to be right on track, sometimes life throws you a curveball. I will somehow have to try and make the best of this horrible situation. But, right now, I'm in bits about what has happened."
His publicists issued a photograph of the injury, and added: "The cut above his left eyebrow occurred in round two of sparring on Friday night and required six stitches by a plastic surgeon at St Thomas' hospital. Because of the gravity of the cut, these stitches will now remain in place for five to seven days.
"Unfortunately, after being properly assessed, Haye was left with no choice but to postpone his fight with Fury. He is currently waiting on further medical assessment to determine the extent of the postponement."
When we spoke on Thursday, Haye, 32, could hardly have sounded more upbeat.
"I'm fitter, faster, stronger than I've ever been," he said. "I feel ready to explode."
He revealed his trainer and manager, Adam Booth, had employed the best sparring partners money could by in the American knockout specialist Deontay Wilder, the durable Polish contender Mariusz Wach, who last year lasted the distance with Wladimir Klitschko, and the 6ft 9in British heavyweight Richard Towers.
"Adam wants the environment in the sparring to be way more intense, way more dangerous than it is when I actually get in the fight," Haye said.
"They've hit me with some big, big shots. I managed to stay on my feet, but it has been harder than any other training camp I've had."
It was not immediately apparent which or any of the three sparring partners was responsible for the cut, but he will not have been the most popular person in Haye's Lambeth gym this weekend.
