Tony Bellew

Tony's learning curve has been a steep one - three and a half years ago he was fighting four-rounders...now he stands on the verge of a second world title shot. It was his first at the highest level - against Nathan Cleverly in 2011 - that set the Liverpudlian's career on a different trajectory. Bellew managed to talk his way into a shot at the Welshman's WBO title and it almost paid off. Many thought Bellew, then - as now - Commonwealth champion, was too raw to offer much of a challenge to the solid Cleverly, but the underdog gave him hell for 12 rounds and only went down to a narrow points loss. In what was only his fifth championship fight Tony proved he had what it takes to perform at the highest level, and after moving to Matchroom he has been steered towards challenging for the WBC belt. After beating Danny McIntosh for the British title, Bellew faced down old war horse Edison Miranda for the international title in London, putting in a mature performance as he broke the Colombian's spirit in nine rounds. The victory didn't please everyone who had come to expect an all-action style but Bellew is learning on the job and did what he had to do. Another South American in Roberto Bolonti was next and after he was dropped twice in the first three rounds it looked like Tony was on course for a straight-forward win. But he was soon cut badly on the right eye-brow and needed to move to Plan B, taking a more cautious approach and with Bolonti offering little in the form of aggression Bellew could cruise to victory. Four months later and Isaac Chilemba was the final obstacle between him and a shot at the world title. Bellew was expected to do the business in Liverpool but it wasn't to be - styles make fights but they didn't make this one. A draw was the verdict and neither side was happy. So they do it again on May 25. Bellew's destiny still awaits him.