WBC ‘Emeritus’ World cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew has accepted an invitation to face newly-crowned undisputed cruiserweight world champion Aleksandr Usyk.
Bellew, who claimed the WBC title with a third round knockout of South African Illunga Mukabu at Goodison Park in May 2016, was granted the role of ‘Emeritus’ champion by the governing body, following his decision to campaign at heavyweight – where he picked up two back-to-back wins over bitter rival David Haye.
This means that should Bellew decide on a return to cruiserweight, he will be afforded an immediate shot at the WBC title – currently held by Ukrainian superstar Usyk.
Speaking in the immediate aftermath of his victory over then-unbeaten Murat Gassiev this past weekend in Moscow, newly-crowned Ali Trophy winner Usyk called for a showdown with Bellew in his post-fight interview.
“I heard Tony Bellew is looking to fight the winner of the World Boxing Super Series.” said Usyk.
“So hey, Tony Bellew, come see me. I am ready – are you ready?”
London 2012 Olympic Gold medallist Usyk, who enjoyed a hugely successful amateur career as a heavyweight – with victories over the likes of unbeaten prospect Joe Joyce – would go on to state that he would be prepared to move up in weight to secure a clash with ‘The Bomber’.
“If he [Bellew] doesn’t come down [to cruiserweight] I will go up – I will eat more spaghetti!” he finished.
The call-out would force social media into overdrive, with Usyk already sending boxing’s hardcore fraternity into a fervour with his immaculate, punch-perfect dissection of Gassiev.
Typically of Bellew, who is on one of the hottest streaks in British – or indeed world – boxing, his response would be swift and succinct, stating his interest in a proposed bout with the division’s undoubted kingpin.
Usyk I was BORN READY!! Let’s get this done!! 👊
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) July 21, 2018
Having recently stated that Bellew may not return to the ring, promoter Eddie Hearn would also comment on the potential clash, claiming that talks would begin next week.
Hearn, who recently named a three-man shortlist of Tyson Fury, Andre Ward and Adonis Stevenson as Bellew’s likely opponents should he return to action, was typically bullish with his own Tweet, confirming his interest in making the showdown – but that he would seek the best financial deal for his client in the process.
It’s not ‘all’ about the money – I’m just going to make sure that the higher the physical risk to my client the more money I’m going to get them. Call it what you will I call it common sense
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) July 22, 2018
A bout with Usyk – who while impressed hugely this past weekend – may be looked at as too much risk for Bellew at what is considered to be the swansong period of his career.
The story continues…