By Shaun Brown
Tony Bellew could get another world title shot in May at Goodison Park, the home of his beloved Everton Football Club against Denis Lebedev.
Bellew, who stars in the film Creed out in UK cinemas on January 15, made it win number 26 from 29 to move to (26-2-1, 16 KOs) when the Liverpudlian outpointed Mateuz Masternak to win the vacant European cruiserweight title last month.
The 200lb division seems to suit Bellew down to the ground after spending much of his pro career campaigning at 175lbs, which rewarded him with the British and Commonwealth titles but defeats in two world title challenges against Nathan Cleverly (WBO) and Adonis Stevenson (WBC) respectively.
Fans may not see Bellew return to action until May, a month when his promoter Eddie Hearn would like to bring over Lebedev (28-2, 21 KOs), the WBA World cruiserweight champion.
Bellew was in line to make the first defence of his European title against Ukraine’s Dmytro Kucher (23-1-1, 17 KOs) with purse bids for the contest due in by January 7.
Boxing Scene asked Bellew’s promoter Eddie Hearn if the ‘Bomber’ would defend his title against Kucher.
“Probably not,” he answered. “We’re just deciding what we’re going to do now.”
“The aim for Tony is to fight for the world title. We really wanted [IBF champion] Victor Ramirez.
“We would be very interested in bringing the Lebedev fight to Goodison Park this summer,” he added.
“I think May is going to be the right time and it’s the right time for the football, end of May (when the season finishes).
“I like the Lebedev fight. We love the Ramirez fight. Any of the champions, he’s just ready to dive in for a shot now.”
Shaun Brown is Boxing Scene’s UK News Editor. Follow him on Twitter @sbrown2pt0 Contact him at sbrownboxing@gmail.com
