Deontay Wilder would consider a WBC title defence against Tony Bellew, says promoter Lou DiBella
Tuesday 7 March 2017 09:05, UK
Deontay Wilder could be interested in a WBC heavyweight title defence against Tony Bellew, says the American’s promoter Lou DiBella.
The Merseysider called for a fight against Wilder in the aftermath of his stunning 11th-round stoppage of David Haye at The O2 on Saturday night.
Wilder has been ordered to defend his WBC belt against Bermane Stiverne after last month's knockout of Gerald Washington, but his promoter DiBella admits a fight against Bellew could be a future option.
"We're not adverse to considering Tony Bellew," DiBella exclusively told Sky Sports. "We congratulate Bellew. I'm a big fan of Tony's. It's not something we would write off.
"We respect him and it would certainly be something we would be interested in."
Wilder was pictured with WBO champion Joseph Parker after his recent victory over Washington, with DiBella keen to arrange a unification fight, but Bellew would be a welcome addition to the shortlist of opponents.
"A Joseph Parker fight would be the most desirable fight for Deontay next anyway, but you have to look at other alternatives.
A fight with Deontay and Tony would certainly be of interest. I just like Tony Bellew. He beat a guy who is a major player.
"A fight with Deontay and Tony would certainly be of interest. I just like Tony Bellew. He beat a guy who is a major player. Haye was a major player in the division and Tony beat him.
"Does he deserve it? As much as any other contender would. He's had a great win against a very highly thought of David Haye.
"He's also a guy that has got himself some attention. Being in that film doesn't hurt him. He's gone out there and become someone that is well known and he just had a great victory in the ring, where he showed a lot of heart.
"We've got nothing but respect for Tony Bellew."
