Tony Bellew Already Close To Weight For Cleverly

By Terence Dooley

Tony Bellew has come back from his training base in Lanzarote ahead of Saturday’s make or break WBO light-heavyweight world title clash with domestic rival Nathan Cleverly.  Cleverly will travel from Wales to Liverpool’s ECHO Arena, stepping into the lion’s den for the maiden defense of his belt.

Bellew does altitude work in Lanzarote, the humid environment is also perfect for trimming away weight, the Liverpudlian told me earlier today that he is set to hit the scales in perfect condition for the biggest night of his boxing career.

“It is hot out there so the weight falls off,” stated Bellew.  “I’ve had no problems with it for this camp.  It is coming off dead easy.  I’m only a bit away so it is sound.”

Whilst acknowledging that he has been firmly cast in the role of the underdog by members of the British boxing press, Bellew believes that there will be a collective road to Damascus moment on press row come Saturday night.  Saying, “All will be revealed on Saturday.  I don’t want any excuses when I’ve beaten him.”

See James DeGale v Piotr Wilczewski for the European Super-Middleweight title and the WBO World Light-Heavyweight Championship between Nathan Cleverly and Tony Bellew on October 15th live from the Liverpool Echo Arena; then live from the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, the WBC World Light-Heavyweight title between the legendary Bernard Hopkins and Chad Dawson, live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky platform Channel 456).

Tickets for the Liverpool Echo Arena, priced at £50, £100, £150 and £250, are available from:

Liverpool Echo Arena
Box Office: 0844 8000 400
www.echoarena.com

Frank Warren Promotions
www.frankwarren.tv