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British cruiserweights Nathan Cleverly and Tony Bellew set to lock horns again

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Tony Bellew has a war of words with Nathan Cleverly after defeating Julio Cesar Dos Santos at Liverpool's Echo Arena.

Promoter Eddie Hearn says a rematch between old foes Nathan Cleverly and Tony Bellew is close to being finalised.

Cleverly earned a narrow win over Bellew in October 2011 when he defended his WBO light heavyweight title in Liverpool, and the bad blood between the pair has continued since.

Their latest clash came after Bellew, like Cleverly now fighting at cruiserweight, knocked out Julio Cesar Dos Santos in July, with the pair almost coming to blows after more verbal sparring and finger pointing.

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A rematch had been hinted at as part of a Kell Brook-led card in Sheffield in December but, with Brook now sidelined after being stabbed in Spain earlier this month, Hearn is close to announcing a new date and venue for one of the most highly-anticipated domestic battles of recent years.

“We are almost there,” said Hearn. “Having been originally set for December 6, we are now finalising a new date and venue and I hope to have the deal tied up this week.

“This is a wonderful fight – two great fighters with a genuine rivalry that will keep fans on their toes in and outside the ring. I can’t wait for this fight, and of course the build up!”

Cleverly believes a world title shot should be the reward for the winner of his second clash with Bellew.

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I don't just want to beat him, I want to finish him
Tony Bellew

He added: “I've always said I will fight him anytime anywhere, the result will be the same as before, a Nathan Cleverly victory.

“The only slight change this time is I doubt he will hear the final bell. I'm excited for the fight, it will capture the publics’ imagination and become a huge event. I'm looking forward to making it 2-0 and moving on to a shot at the title.”

But, unsurprisingly, Bellew is confident he can claim revenge on the Welshman.

“I don't just want to beat him, I want to finish him,” the Liverpudlian said.

“He won't want to get in the ring ever again after our fight. Putting the record straight means more to me than a world title, I'm going to put myself through hell in camp and picture his face during every moment. I cannot wait.”

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