Sunday 18 September 2016 01:02, UK
Tony Bellew was an interested commentator as he saw former sparring partner Oleksandr Usyk join him as a cruiserweight world champion in Poland.
Working for Sky Sports, WBC king Bellew was quick to hand praise to Ukraine's Usyk (10-0-KO9), who added the WBO crown to his Olympic and world amateur gold medals by unanimously outpointing Krzysztof Glowacki at Gdansk's Ergo Arena.
Bellew, who defends his title against BJ Flores live on Sky Sports on October 15, said: "I've eagerly looked at Usyk's reputation. I've known about him a long time and I used to spar with him in the Ukraine as amateurs.
"I know our paths will cross somewhere down the line but for now this is his night. I welcome Usyk to the cruiserweight party and it is one of the best divisions in the world.
"Tonight I think we've seen the birth of something quite special. That's Oleksandr Usyk at world title level now and I had 9-3 in favour of Usyk.
"The better boxing, technique and punches came from Usyk all night for me."
People look at the names, don't recognise them and can't pronounce them so they don't give credit where it's due.
Bellew's trainer Dave Coldwell was equally impressed by the newly-crowned champion and highlighted the strength in depth at 200lbs.
Coldwell told Sky Sports: "The cruiserweight division gets a lot of stick because people haven't seen these guys fighting. They look at the names, don't recognise them and can't pronounce them so they don't give credit where it's due.
"The division is full of great fighters and Usyk belongs up there now. This is a great division."
Watch Bellew v Flores live on Sky Sports on October 15
