Thursday 20 November 2014 19:35, UK
Tony Bellew says his greater punching power will make the difference when he faces Nathan Cleverly in their eagerly-awaited fight at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Saturday.
Cleverly defeated Bellew thanks to a contentious points decision when they met at light-heavyweight in 2011 and their rematch headlines this weekend’s cracking bill, which will be live on Sky Sports Box Office.
They will meet at cruiserweight this time and Bellew is confident he will claim revenge at the different weight.
They were face-to-face at a Thursday press conference and Bellew reported: “First thing he said to me when he got close was: ‘You look thin, you look like you are in shape’.
“I thought ‘Who was he expecting to turn up, Chunk out of the Goonies?’
“He will say anything to convince himself at this moment in time. He’s probably telling himself he is going to knock me out, he is going to do this and that, but reality is striking home with him, and it is striking home very quickly.
"I used to gas at seven rounds (at light-heavyweight). I was beating him clearly after seven rounds, it was my fight all day. Going into the 10th, I had myself comfortably ahead. I don’t fall apart at this weight.
“Him and his trainer are in too deep, simple as that. You cannot change a non-puncher to a puncher. At some point he is going to exchange with me and he knows that himself.
“When we punch at the same time, we are both going to land. Someone is going to really feel it and someone is going to brush it off. Let me tell you, he is not going to brush it off.
“I can end the fight with one punch, it is in my armoury. He can’t, and that will be the difference on Saturday night.”
I can end the fight with one punch, it is in my armoury. He can’t, and that will be the difference on Saturday night.
Asked if was feeling under pressure to deliver in front of a sell-out crowd, Bellew added: “It’s not pressure, it’s a pleasure. What’s pressure about having a fight in front of thousands of people?
“I am amazed that thousands of people want to watch me have a fight. I’m humbled, to be honest.
“There will still be four posts and sets of rope. You are going to fight and see who can last the best. Pressure is thinking about how the next bill is getting paid, that’s real pressure.”
Cleverly taunted Bellew by waving two fingers at him at the press conference, implying he was set for a second victory over the Liverpudlian.
But Bellew pushed the fingers away and said: “I slapped it away because I don’t want someone pointing a finger in my face.
“I am not in school, he is not a school teacher - I know he is probably going to end up one after I have finished with him.
“Bit of handbags, I’d say. The handbags get dashed on Saturday and the gloves get put on. That’s when we find out who the real man is.
“We are getting closer and closer and closer, and reality strikes on Saturday night.”
Watch Cleverly v Bellew II live and exclusive on Sky Sports Box Office on November 22, with Joshua, Groves, DeGale and more, also on. Go to skysports.com/cleverlybellew to book.
