Saturday 3 January 2015 17:29, UK
Tony Bellew has revealed that talks have been held with three world champions as he targets a title shot in the next few months.
The Liverpudlian continued his successful switch to the cruiserweight division with a split decision win over bitter rival Nathan Cleverly in November.
His next fight is expected to be for a world crown and talks have already been held with WBO champion Marco Huck, IBF holder Yoan Pablo Hernandez and WBA king Denis Lebedev.
When asked about Huck and Hernandez, Bellew told Sky Sports: “Yes, they are possibilities and they are people who we are speaking to, but we are also speaking to the likes of Denis Lebedev. He’s another one who is part of the plans. It’s not just Huck or Hernandez, Lebedev is an option too.
They are all in the mix, but if I had my choice I would choose Huck. I think that leads to such an exciting fight.
“We’ll look down all avenues and see which one suits us best and the time frame, because these guys are world champions. They are not just going to wait around for me. I’m not the only fighter that they can possibly face.”
The 32-year-old has landed a role in American movie ‘Creed’, a spin-off from the Rocky trilogy, and will fly out for filming in the next few weeks.
He plans to train in Philadelphia during his spell in the States and could return to the ring as early as April, depending on what dates are available for possible venues.
Bellew has spoken personally to Everton chairman Bill Kenwright about staging a fight at Goodison Park, but has ruled out the possibility of facing Huck in Germany.
“They are all in the mix, but if I had my choice I would choose Huck,” he said. “I think that leads to such an exciting fight. That’s why I would choose Huck.
“If you want to say who is the best? Then possibly you could edge more towards Hernandez, but for me it’s just a matter of getting there and fighting for a world title to be honest.
“In the end, I believe I will become the best cruiserweight in the world anyway, so it makes no difference to me really.
“I won’t entertain him in Germany. You have to get a knockout just to get a draw in Germany to be honest.
“I have no plans on going to Germany whatsoever. If we are going to fight, it’s going to be in London or Goodison Park, that’s a dream night that I’m looking at.”
