Image source, Getty Images

Well, that was quite remarkable.

We said it would take an Oscar-winning performance beforehand, but didn't expect both fighters to play such a starring role in a fight fit for a Hollywood script.

Injuries, underdogs, even hugs and kisses by the end of it, not even Tony Bellew's appearance in Rocky spin-off Creed had that much drama.

That's it from us, but you can relive that mammoth bout with Luke Reddy's report from the O2 Arena right here.

Steve Bunce
Boxing pundit on BBC Radio 5 live

Had David Haye won in the first round or the 11th round, we wouldn't have questioned his eligibility to chase any heavyweight. 

Bellew didn't mention Anthony Joshua, so go and chase it, put an offer out to Joseph Parker, put an offer out to Deontay Wilder.

In the summer, at Goodison Park, there will be enough money on the table to get those guys in the ring.

Should Tony Bellew really go after another heavyweight bout? Steve Bunce says why not chase it while it's there...

BBC Radio 5 live

Promoter Eddie Hearn on Radio 5 live: "We've got to go after a heavyweight world title for Bellew now. I am so pleased for him. He's secured the future for his family and they can live a wonderful life.

"He is everything you would want in a man, he has a big heart, never gives up, has a wonderful family and I am so happy for him."

BBC Radio 5 live

Tony Bellew on Radio 5 live: "He's probably the hardest puncher in the world, and he's so quick early on, he's like a sprinter. He can really hit but he can also take a few himself.

"In my eyes I've beaten one of the best cruiserweights and heavyweights we've ever had. I am honoured to fight in the same ring as him. I've looked up to him.

"People underestimate me. Watch me on tape and I'm terrible but in the ring I'm harder to hit than you think."

Image source, PA

Richard Phillips: Serious do Haye and Bellew need to get a room!! Talk aiming to set up a rematch!  

Carl Sumner: That was a fairly insane fight. And a finish that epitomises sport and sportsmanship.  

Karl Bristow: Astonishing scenes, what an upset, credit to Haye for carrying on with one leg!   

Luke Reddy
BBC Sport boxing reporter in London

What can you say about that?

Did it live up to the hype? I can't speak for those watching or listening at home but ringside it had the twists and drama of an award-winning film. 

The noise was simply deafening. Some seemed shocked at what they were seeing, others thrilled to see the fighter who played the bad-guy role for the most part of the build-up, beaten.

What next for David Haye?

BBC Radio 5 live

More from David Haye on BBC Radio 5 live: "The ankle was just one of those things. The better man won on the night. 

"I knew he was tough and had a big heart and I congratulate him. My best wasn't good enough tonight and I'd like the chance to do it again.

"It wasn't my night. I didn't land the good shots, I was in good shape but his game was better than mine.

"It felt like a Rocky movie and I was one punch away from knocking him out but I couldn't quite do it. 

"Even when I was in a bad way. I trained hard and was in good shape but it wasn't good enough."

Tony Bellew plays down a fight with Anthony Joshua - just as well as AJ looked to have a good giggle when his name was mentioned.

"I am the most valuable man outside of the heavyweights," adds Bellew. "I'm the king of the misfits!

A little more from the two fighters...

With all that pre-fight hype, I must admit that I thought the night might not live up to the build-up.

It didn't just live up to it, it surprised and entertained with brutal unpredictability.

That's one to remember.

David Haye:  "Tony was a great fighter. I felt great and trained great. This guy has a heart of a lion, I've knocked out guys a lot bigger and stronger but he has the heart of a lion.

"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 agian, 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."

Haye v Bellew II? They're talking it up...

Here's Tony Bellew: "I want to thank all you people in here and watching. You all made it possible for me.

"I sent my kids away and all that matters tonight is I secured my kids' future.

"David I thank you from the bottom of my heart, because you could have picked a lot of other guys.

"It was genuine, I really wanted to beat him and he wanted to beat me. I have so much respect for him.

"Who wants to see it again?"

Steve Bunce
Boxing pundit on BBC Radio 5 live

That was pure bravery and guts and up there with anything I've ever seen. They went to hell. It was sensational, scary but sensational.

Michael Buffer clarifies that ending - Haye's corner threw the towel in at round 11, but it could well have been over long before that.

Fantastic stuff at the O2 Arena. What a fight.

Steve Bunce
Boxing pundit on BBC Radio 5 live

How much of an impact did that injury of Haye's have? I had Haye up four rounds to one going into the sixth but he didn't win a round after the injury. 

Tony Bellew is up on the ropes, he's embracing this moment and why not - he put in a fantastic performance despite the injury for Haye.

They're hugging again, and you'd have to say Haye will take some plaudits from this one too.

He's fought five or six rounds with an injury and could barely walk by the end of the fight.

He even wanted to carry on once Bellew put him through the ropes before the towel went in!

Steve Bunce
Boxing pundit on BBC Radio 5 live

That was brilliant for the crowd, what a fight, what a relentless fight.