Tony Bellew will provide the chief support for Carl Froch’s IBF World super middleweight title defence against Yusaf Mack in Betfair’s ‘True Brit’ at the Capital FM Arena in Nottingham on November 17, live on Sky Sports.
The Liverpool star confirmed his status as a World level performer on Saturday night, stopping Edison Miranda in the ninth round in the headline act of Betfair’s ‘London Calling’ card at Alexandra Palace in north London and winning the WBC International light heavyweight title in the process.
Before the fight Bellew said Miranda was the most dangerous fight of his life and now he is ready to face more big names and showcase his talents to the US and throughout the world.
“The shackles are off now and it’s all about staying active and getting my name out there, which being a big part of such a massive bill will do for me,” said Bellew, who will have a week off before beginning training camp for his November date. “Carl is a big name in the States and I’m sure the fight create huge TV interest over there so after beating Miranda this is another chance to impress on the other side of the Atlantic.
“I’ve watched the Miranda fight back once and I’m my biggest critic but I’m happy with how it went – there were mistakes made but also lessons learned. I cannot be having wars every time I fight as my career would only last ten more months, I just want to make the most of what I’ve got and I make it as easy a nights work as I can and I think I showed I’m above the level I was at and ready to keep moving up.”
Betfair ‘True Brit’ promoter Eddie Hearn will reveal Bellew’s opponent in the coming weeks, and the Merseysider said he’s delighted to be working with someone who has the same goals he has.
“Eddie has got ambitions and a set of balls the same as mine, he’s willing to put it on the line and test me and I want to be tested,” said Bellew.
“Saturday was the first time I’ve ever gone into a fight and had nothing to worry about – it’s the little things that mean a lot to a boxer, like getting your kit sorted and making sure hotels, transportation and changing rooms are right and everything is calm and relaxed. That’s how it is with Eddie, Barry and Matchroom, it’s so professional and it lets you get on with your job.”
The huge Evertonian was backed by massive Mersey support in the capital on Saturday and he believes his loyal fans will visit Nottingham in even bigger numbers to watch him and Froch entertain.
“Nottingham isn’t as far as London and it would be a fantastic feeling for me if they all came down again for another massive show,” said Bellew.
“I was overwhelmed with the support from Liverpool on Saturday. It was a humbling experience to have that many fans travel down and be as vocal and passionate as they were. Walking to the ring and hearing ‘Z Cars’ in a different city and hearing the fans sing along to it was amazing. It was like being at a match – to me there’s nothing better than having screaming fellas bouncing about for me and that’s how it was on Saturday.”
Tickets for Betfair’s ‘True Brit’ are on sale now priced £40, £60, £80, £120 and £200 from the Capital FM Arena Box Office on 08444 124624 and at http://www.capitalfmarena.com
VIP packages are available exclusively from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900 and at http://www.matchroomboxing.com
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