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Cleverly v Bellew II: Promoter Eddie Hearn says third fight unlikely

Tony Bellew is interviewed as Nathan Cleverly and Eddie Hearn watch on
Image: Tony Bellew: Interviewed as Nathan Cleverly and Eddie Hearn watch on

Promoter Eddie Hearn believes a third fight between Tony Bellew and Nathan Cleverly is unlikely.

Bellew gained revenge over bitter rival Cleverly in a gruelling rematch at a sold-out Echo Arena in Liverpool on Saturday.

I think all the world champions are now looking at Tony Bellew, his next fight will be for a world title. Nathan… possible a return to light heavyweight, I think he’s going to consider his future.
Eddie Hearn

After his hand was raised the 31-year-old, who lost a majority decision to Cleverly in 2011, said he would be willing to fight the Welshman for a third time in Cardiff.

However, Bellew appeared to have a change of heart on Sunday morning, accused Cleverly of being “petrified” of getting hit and said he only wanted to face opponents who wanted to fight.

Cleverly, who since losing his WBO light heavyweight title last summer has added two stone in weight, admitted in the post-fight press conference that he struggled to perform in the 14st 4lb division.

He said: “If I’m being honest, people in boxing know, and I know personally, I’m not a true cruiserweight. I can try as much as I want, but I’m not a real proper cruiserweight, but I gave it my best.”

Hearn agrees Cleverly at cruiserweight is not the same fighter and says Bellew, who has already ruled out moving back down to 12st 7lbs, will fight for a world title next.

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“I think that Nathan is going to have some time to reflect,” Hearn told Sky Sports News HQ. “I think that Nathan has made the transition to cruiserweight probably not as well as Tony Bellew.

“I think he’s lost a little bit of his speed. I think the weight and the pure size of Tony drained a lot of energy out of Nathan later on in the fight.

“I think all the world champions are now looking at Tony Bellew, his next fight will be for a world title. Nathan… possible a return to light heavyweight, I think he’s going to consider his future.

“There’s talk of a third, you never know but I think for Tony really it’s all about that world title shot.” 

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