Tony Bellew and Ilunga Makabu to battle it out for world title
By Isaac Robinson
Sunday 29 May 2016 21:46, UK
Your one-stop preview of Tony Bellew's potential Goodison Park fairytale as he takes on Ilunga Makabu for a vacant world title.
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Background
Liverpool's favourite cruiserweight has his dream fight at his dream venue but standing in his way is the mysterious Makabu, who arrived in the UK with a fearsome reputation and a confident demeanour.
Bellew has lost his two previous tilts at world titles - against Nathan Cleverly (2011) and Adonis Stevenson (2013) down at light-heavyweight - but having stepped up to what he insists is his natural division, 'Bomber' is hoping to get over the line at his beloved Everton.
The bookmakers have installed Congolese-born Makabu as a favourite to spoil the script, which echoes the one Bellew followed when he starred in the recent Hollywood blockbuster Creed.
What the fighters say
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Tony Bellew speaks to us after his public work-out
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Knockout specialist Ilunga Makabu says Tony Bellew is not on his level
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Everton fan Tony Bellew says he is not under extra pressure
What the trainer says
He's been like a kid and he can't wait to get in the ring and fight. Tony has put the effort and work in. His mind's been on the job. His career has led to this fight. The higher the obstacles and the bigger the stage - certain fighters perform better.
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Tony Bellew's trainer Dave Coldwell finds out how much he knows...
What the experts say
I get on with Tony now. We had our differences in the past but it's all been a bit of banter, hasn't it? I am happy for him and if anybody deserves a title shot it's him. I'm over the moon for him.
Bellew is going to put everything on the line fighting in front of his boyhood club. He'll have a lot of support there and although they're not in the ring with him, I know from my own experiences that it helps you when you're in there.
I think Tony Bellew has got a really tough night on his hands here, because Ilunga Makabu is a very good fighter who can clearly really punch. Having said that, I think Bellew can still have his big moment this Sunday.
Bellew has to just throw absolutely everything he's ever had inside him out there on the night. I don't think he'll finish Makabu but I wouldn't discount his power altogether.
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Tony Bellew has nearly a three-pound weight advantage
The time draws near
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Bellew's best moments... he'll need something special
Watch Bellew v Makabu plus a packed undercard featuring David Price, Paul, Stephen and Callum Smith and more live on Sky Sports 1 this Sunday from 6.30pm.