Cleverly v Bellew II: Trainer Dave Coldwell backs a relaxed Tony Bellew to win

Trainer Dave Coldwell says Tony Bellew is relaxed and ready for tonight’s rematch with Nathan Cleverly at a sold-out Echo Arena in Liverpool.

Bellew lost the first fight waged at light heavyweight on a majority decision at the same venue three years ago, but tonight the pair will face each other for the first time at cruiserweight.

The work has been done, whether Nathan wants to box or come and have a war and get on Tony’s chest, we’ve prepared for both.

“Saw Tony last night, had a shake off session, he’s in a great place,” Coldwell told Sky Sports News HQ. “He’s relaxed, he’s just ready to go, he can’t wait.

“He can’t wait to get in there, all the talking’s done, all the build-up’s done. This week he has been itching to get the last few media engagements out of the way, get the weigh-in out of the way, just so he can focus on the fight.”

Coldwell does not believe the expected partizan home support will be an extra burden for his man.

“A lot of people we’ve been talking to on social media think Cleverly is going to win,” added Coldwell.

“A lot of people think that Cleverly is going to win - it’s one of those fights and Tony knows it’s one of those fights.

“But he handles pressure really well, some people don’t mind the big fuss and the agro and the fall outs, others they just buckle under it and Tony is one of those guys who handles it really well.

“The work has been done, whether Nathan wants to box or come and have a war and get on Tony’s chest, we’ve prepared for both.

“At some stage in this fight, could be round one, could be round two, don’t know, but both fighters are going to get hit on the chin and the crowd is going to roar and then it’s about who can keep their cool.

“I don’t mind Tony engaging and having a tear-up as long as he does it with a focused mind and he’s selecting the right shots at the right time, not going in like a lunatic.

“It’s going to be a great fight, there’s too much needle and too much edge, they both know each other from the first fight a long time ago.

“It’s not going to be a chess match.”