Roberto Martinez says Everton are right behind Tony Bellew's world title bid
Thursday 17 March 2016 16:24, UK
Everton manager Roberto Martinez says the club is right behind Tony Bellew, who could be fighting for a world title at Goodison Park.
The cruiserweight will be fighting Ilunga Makabu for the vacant WBC world cruiserweight title in early June and both Bellew and promoter Eddie Hearn are considering staging the bout at the famous stadium.
Bellew is a well-known Everton fan and friend of chairman Bill Kenwright and now has the full backing of manager Martinez and the whole club.
It's a proper opportunity to see a great Evertonian enjoying Goodison in a different manner
"It's a proper opportunity to see a great Evertonian enjoying Goodison in a different manner," he told Sky Sports at the press conference ahead of the Arsenal game.
"We will all be behind him if it can happen."
Bellew says talks are underway and a deal is "close" to being struck for the fight to take place at Goodison Park.
'Bomber' had a major role in the latest Rocky movie 'Creed' and featured in scenes filmed at a packed Goodison during Everton's Monday Night Football game against West Brom.
"It's going to take an absolute monster to beat me at Goodison Park," Bellew told Sky Sports.
"All I can say is we are close. I know the Echo Arena is amazing venue. I just think I can do so many more and the roar of Goodison Park is massive.
"I know a lot of Blues want to see me fight there and me being one of the biggest Blues there is, it's just a dream come true.
"I think that after the movie they realised - they want to be a part of it for me. The club really want to see me do well. The chairman has always been behind me to be honest. He's a friend of mine and a brilliant guy he's always right behind me.
"It's nuts. I've been a world champion and I've fought at Goodison Park but that was all make-believe. Now I've got to do it for real."
Bellew made it clear he is going to need more than just boxing fans behind him as he takes on South Africa-based Makabu (19-1-KO18).
The hard-hitting southpaw was supposed to challenge Grigory Drozd for the WBC title, but the champion picked up an injury, forcing him to vacate the belt.
'Bomber' has always been working towards a third world title challenge back at cruiserweight - having lost to Nathan Cleverly and Adonis Stevenson at light-heavyweight, but admits it will be far from easy, even with home support.
"I am going to have to do it the hard way," he said.
"I am going in against the most avoided fighter in the world. He's tough, he's durable, he's a puncher. He's awkward because he's a southpaw and he just does everything really well.
"I am in for a hard night on this one, if I am honest. But I will leave no stone unturned in my preparation and I believe I will beat him. I just believe the one deciding factor in this one will be size. I believe I am just too big for him."
