Cleverly vs Bellew is Close To Done For October 15

By Chris LaBate

According to the Liverpool Echo, Tony Bellew is close to finalizing a deal to face WBO light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly. Bellew, the British and Commonwealth light heavyweight champion, has verbally agreed to face Cleverly on October 15 at the Echo Arena. A few minor points need to be ironed out. The fight is expected to be officially finalized by the end of the week. Bellew's planned British title defense against Paul David, on September 17 at The Olympia, has been pulled from show.

Bellew came close to facing Cleverly ealier this year at the O2 Arena, when Juergen Brahmaer withdrew - but Bellew was unable to make the weight in a safe manner and he too was replaced. But before Bellew was replaced, a press conference was held and the two boxers traded words and nearly came to blows before being pulled apart by their promoter Frank Warren and several other individuals.