Tony Bellew tells BJ Flores not to freeze on October 15
Wednesday 5 October 2016 19:12, UK
Tony Bellew has told BJ Flores he is in the kind of shape to punish any "stage fright" when they meet in Liverpool later this month.
Bellew defends his newly-won WBC cruiserweight title in front of the Sky Sports cameras on October 15 against an opponent who pursued him on social media months before a fight was agreed.
With fight week approaching Flores is now calling the champion "one of the best in the division" and told Behind The Gloves on Tuesday he would do his talking "in the first round".
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That has been interpreted by Bellew as a sign of nerves, and he told Sky Sports News HQ: "He said he doesn't want to trash talk but - funnily enough - trash talking is what got him the fight.
"Now all of a sudden the fight's getting close and he doesn't want to say a word. I just hope he doesn't get stage fright because - let me tell you, mate - I don't get stage fright.
"The brighter the lights, the brighter I perform and the harder I hit."
Bellew realised a career-long dream when he stopped Ilunga Makabu at Goodison Park in May to become world champion, but there has been no let-up in his work-rate since.
"I'm pushing myself as hard as ever in camp," he said. "Nothing's changed whatsoever for me. I have that shiny green and gold belt on my mantelpiece in the house, and that's the only difference.
"My preparation's gone well, no major injuries - I'm telling you now honestly - so I'm in good shape. I'm fit, I'm firing."
