English heavyweight contender David Haye has issued an unreserved apology to his supporters after being forced to withdraw from his scheduled June 29 bout against Germany’s Manuel Charr through injury.

The 32-year-old former heavyweight and cruiserweight holder confirmed on Tuesday that a damaged left hand, sustained in training at the weekend, meant his showdown with Charr, at the MEN Arena, Manchester, was postponed.

Haye’s trainer and personal advisor, Adam Booth later revealed the south Londoner’s hand is dislocated and they are unsure how long it will take to heal. The doctors have already told Haye he must not punch with it for at least four weeks.

And now, in a lengthy statement posted on the Hayemaker’s website, THE RING’s No.3-ranked heavyweight has gone into great detail as to the extent of the problem, while expressing massive disappointment and regret at having to delay his anticipated return to the ring after an 11-month absence.

“It was a tough decision to make, as I didn’t want to let anyone down, but one made easier by the pain I experienced ” said Haye (26-2, 24 knockouts). “In the end I had no choice but to postpone the fight.”

Haye, whose last outing came in July 2012 with a fifth round KO of countryman Dereck Chisora at Upton Park, London, admits the injury is a major setback in his bid to regain a title.

But the former WBA holder has assured fans that he will be back and remains totally focused on returning to the top of the heavyweight division.

For the full statement: http://www.hayemaker.com/news/article/297/official-statement-haye-explains-hand-injury.aspx

Harry Pratt is now on Twitter: @gharrypratt