Joshua v Whyte: Tony Bellew admits he is facing a 50-50 fight against Mateusz Masternak
Thursday 10 December 2015 18:56, UK
Tony Bellew fully admits he is involved in a 50-50 fight with Mateusz Masternak, but plans to prove he is one of the world's best cruiserweights.
The Liverpudlian has a major role in this year's Hollywood movie 'Creed' but has turned his attention back to his ring career and will battle Mateusz Masternak for the vacant European belt at The O2, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Masternak has suffered just three defeats in 39 fights and holds a win over former world champion Jean Marc Mormeck.
Bellew is unbeaten since stepping up to cruiserweight, including a points win over domestic rival Nathan Cleverly, but believes the Pole is his most dangerous opponent in the division so far.
Hard fight, 50-50 in my opinion, and I've got to go out there and do the business on Saturday.
"This is my biggest test at cruiserweight without a shadow of a doubt," he told Sky Sports News HQ. "Hard fight, 50-50 in my opinion, and I've got to go out there and do the business on Saturday.
"Ultimately we will see what I'm about but I believe I'm one of the best cruiserweights in the world, without a shadow of a doubt, and I'll prove that on Saturday night.
"He's got a look in his eye that he means business, but I think he knows when he looks in my eye that I mean business too. I can only lead to one thing and that is hopefully fireworks."
Bellew was within touching distance of a shot at IBF champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez, but the fight fell through and the Cuban has since been stripped of the belt, with Gilbert Ramirez installed as the new title holder.
"We were nearly there but I had the movie," said Bellew. "I just needed a little more time. Then I got the injury and it just got delayed all at the wrong time really.
"It was unlucky. I do think that he was the best cruiserweight in the world, but ultimately I didn't get the chance to face him. A poor man is walking around with that belt in Gilbert Ramirez."
Watch Bellew vs Masternak on Joshua vs Whyte, exclusively live on Sky Sports Box Office, December 12, now available to order via your Sky remote or online.
