Bellew Is Closing In On A World Title

Tony Bellew is closing in on a second World title shot after moving up to No.1 in the WBC rankings.

But before Bellew can concentrate on a world title challenge he must beat No.2 ranked Isaac Chilemba at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on March 30.

The Liverpool star faces the Malawian in a final eliminator for the WBC title for the right to fight the winner between champion Chad Dawson and Jean Pascal in Montreal,Canada on May 25.

Bellew’s first title shot ended in a narrow majority decision defeat to Nathan Cleverly in October 2011 and after wins over Danny McIntosh, Edison Miranda and Roberto Bolonti, Bellew’s promoter Eddie Hearn is delighted to see the 30 year old in pole position to achieve World title glory.

“Tony has the World at his feet right now,” said Hearn. “All Tony has to do is get through Isaac Chilemba and he will get that shot at Dawson or Pascal. I say all he has to do but Chilemba will pose a huge test and has the same opportunities. It’s a big test for Tony and the rewards are huge.”

Bellew’s showdown with Chilemba tops a massive night of boxing on Merseyside, with the undercard topped by a rematch of the domestic fight of the year for 2012 between Derry Mathews and Anthony Crolla for the Commonwealth lightweight title.

Liverpool’s Rocky Fielding defends his English super middleweight title against Wayne Reed, unbeaten lightweight Scotty Cardle is in action in his ninth pro contest, Callum Smith boxes in his hometown for the first time and GB London Olympic captain Tom Stalker will box for the second time as a professional

February 5, 2013