• Boxing

Cleverly vows to 'do a number' on Bellew

ESPN staff
May 19, 2011
Tony Bellew stopped Ovill McKenzie in December © PA Photos
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Nathan Cleverly is delighted to have the chance to silence Tony Bellew, describing the unbeaten Englishman as "a disrespectful fighter with a loud mouth."

Bellew has stepped into the breach at short notice after Cleverly was left without an opponent on Saturday night following Juergen Braehmer's decision to pull out on account of injury.

The pair will fight for the WBO light-heavyweight belt after the governing body stripped Braehmer of the title.

Cleverly will step into the ring as the champion and he is determined to come out on top against a fighter who he claims has been disrespecting him for some time.

"I have had to refocus now," Cleverly told Sky Sports News. "I was bitterly disappointed when Braehmer did not show. I was not surprised, but it is devastating that the guy I wanted to fight did not show up.

"But in steps another dangerman in Tony Bellew. He is a British fighter, Commonwealth champion and he is undefeated. He is very hungry, he wants the fight so I have to refocus and put all my attention on to this new challenge.

"For a couple of years now that guy has called me out. When I was Commonwealth champion, British champion, European champion, he has been knocking on the door calling me out. I find him a disrespectful fighter with a loud mouth. We have a chance to settle the score and I will get this guy out of the way.

"I have trained well so come fight night I will be prepared. If it is a tear up or a test of boxing skills, either way I am ready to do a number on Tony Bellew."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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