Tony Bellew hopes to fight for world title at Goodison Park

British cruiserweight Tony Bellew says there is no doubt in his mind that he is ready to become a world champion and he wants it to happen at Goodison Park.

The Merseyside fighter is to take on Ilunga Makabu for the WBC cruiserweight crown in the summer and Bellew says it would be a "dream come true" if Everton's stadium could host the bout.

The 33-year-old was defeated in his two world title fights at light-heavyweight but has won his last six contests at cruiserweight.

And, having out-pointed Mateusz Masternak at the O2 Arena in December, he is convinced he is ready for world title glory.

"Each time I keep surprising myself and now, after the Mateusz Masternak fight, I definitely know I am good enough to be a world champion, 100 per cent," Bellew told Sky Sports.

"It's always OK telling yourself, 'I can beat this or that guy', and I have always said I can beat anyone who I get in the ring with.

"But there is a difference between knowing you can actually just beat a guy and then saying, 'I can be the best cruiserweight in the world', and I know I definitely can."

Bellew is a big Everton fan and added: "I get to the match every other week, I have got to know the players, and the people behind the club.

"Life is really good at the moment and winning this world title is just going to be the icing on the cake. Fingers crossed, it happens in the home of all homes, which is Goodison Park.

"That is the dream come true, nothing would ever come close.

That is the dream come true, nothing would ever come close.

"I have been a world champion, I have fought at Goodison Park and defended my title successfully, but that was all make-believe! Now I want to do it for real and I am not far away.

"There are a few bits and bobs that we have to go over [for the bout to happen at Goodison] but the most important thing is that everybody is fighting in the right direction.

"The club want it to happen, I want it to happen, [promoter] Eddie Hearn wants it to happen, we are all pushing in the right direction so, fingers crossed, we can get it over the line in the next week or so."

Bellew is fresh from starring in the successful movie 'Creed' and agreed that the film has raised his public profile.

"People recognise me and shout over," he said. "I had 'Rocky' shouted at me once.

"I have been called many names over the years but one thing has never changed - since the age of 15 I have been getting called Bomber and I will try to live by that name.

"The movie did change a lot for me, and it has given me kind of a platform to spring from. Hopefully I will now get to bigger stages in this game."