• Tony Bellew v Nathan Cleverly

Bellew: No third fight unless it's a Cardiff sell-out

Tony Bellew avenged his 2011 defeat to Nathan Cleverly at Liverpool's Echo Arena © Getty Images

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Tony Bellew has insisted he will only face Nathan Cleverly in a third fight if they can sell out the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Bellew looks set to face WBO cruiserweight titlist Marco Huck next after he earned a split decision victory in an exhausting fight with Cleverly on Saturday night, but said he would not turn down the chance to fight in front of a baying Welsh crowd.

"I think it's over, but if this can fill the Millennium Stadium, I'll go there," he said. "If this can fill the Millennium, you'll have my word I'll go there."

Bellew edged Saturday's fight with Cleverly after dominating the later rounds in Liverpool's Echo Arena. The fight was a repeat of their 2011 bout, which saw Cleverly emerge as winner, and Bellew's victory now leaves the fighters with a win apiece in the personal feud.

"I'm over the moon. Listen, it's over, it's put to bed," Bellew said. "We said a lot of things. I don't like him now, but it's been settled tonight. It's over, it's done and I've outworked a great athlete.

"I won't go back on my word - there's not going to be a big embrace and a hug - but let's just say there is respect here and it's over, it's done with."

Cleverly was forced back onto the ropes in the ninth round but was able to cling on despite being shaken by a powerful hook.

"It was similar to the first fight and a majority decision, one apiece, but I just think it shows my character," he said. "The first half, I was quite comfortable on the jab. The second half, I started to slow down.

"He was using his natural strength, pushing me back the last six rounds. He made it pay. "It was another close fight. Maybe we'll have a third fight."

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