Tuesday 17 April 2018 15:58, UK
Tony Bellew revealed how he received a hug from Tyson Fury in a recent meeting, but still wants to fight the former world heavyweight champion at Old Trafford.
The Merseysider will resume his rivalry with David Haye in a rematch on May 5, live on Sky Sports Box Office, and a repeat victory could lead to a British battle with Fury.
Both men exchanged verbal jabs on Twitter, but Bellew admits he received a strong embrace from Fury at last weekend's George Groves-Chris Eubank Jr fight in Manchester.
"I did see him yeah," Bellew exclusively told Sky Sports. "He got me in a bit of a choke hold and he hugged me.
"I know he's saying he doesn't like me and that he wants to beat me up, but listen we get on fine. Tyson Fury is a good fellow. I've got a lot of time for Tyson Fury.
"Me and Fury? Old Trafford sounds nice, doesn't it, Old Trafford on a summer's night."
Bellew's promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested the 'Bomber' would also be considered as an opponent for Andre Ward, if the former pound-for-pound king comes out of retirement.
But the 35-year-old insists Ward would have to travel to Britain as he is no longer interested in fighting at a famous American venue.
"Right at this moment in time, it's a more realistic option, that's what I will say," said Bellew.
"Is it a more serious option? I think both are very serious options, but I do rate Andre Ward.
"I know what his walking around weight is at the moment. He's heavy, but he's in fighting shape. He's not heavy enough to be a heavyweight right now. A cruiserweight fight, yes.
"I'm not really bothered about fighting in America. It doesn't really do much for me, if I'm being totally honest. I really like The O2.
"The Echo Arena is obviously not big enough for the likes of me and Ward, but I really do like The O2, so we'll see how it goes."
Watch Lewis Ritson's British title fight with Joe Murray on a packed JDNXTGEN bill, starting at 7pm on Sunday March 25, live on Sky Sports Action.
