Hot prospect Tony Bellew believes a future showdown against British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly would be a barnstormer. Bellew, a former triple ABA champion, is confident that if he and Cleverly remain unbeaten then a fight between them would be as big as the Nigel Benn-Chris Eubank epics. And the 26-year-old scouser reckons the Welshman won’t be able to handle the power which has seen him halt six of his nine victims. “A fight between me and Nathan will be huge in a few years time if we both keep undefeated and building it up” said Bellew. “I would seriously love that fight and it would be real scrap just like the Benn-Eubank days..
“I think he’s a good fighter and he’s got fast hands, but I reckon I’m more powerful and would hurt him every time I hit him.
“I’m the naturally bigger man and I’ll negate any advantages that he has.
“He did a great job on Danny McIntosh and I was pleased to see him with the British title, but that belt will be around my waist soon.
“Whether it’s Nathan I have to face for it or someone else I don’t care, I will become British champion.
“People haven’t seen 50% of my potential yet, and I can’t wait to show everyone what I’ve got.
Cleverly, 22, has won his last four championship fights by stoppage, and is being touted as the best fighter to have come out of Wales since the great Joe Calzaghe.
But Bellew says his greater amateur experience could help him to victory.
“I won the ABA heavyweight title three times as an amateur, so fighting at light-heavyweight is a bonus because no one can hurt me,” said The Bomber.
“I’ve sparred bigger guys throughout my career, including David Haye and David Price, so Cleverly is really going to have to whack if he wants to put a dent in me.
“Last time I gave away a couple of stone to Matthew Ellis and I knocked him out so I know I have the power to knock-out anyone.”
Ken Buchanan Ring Return A Success
News that Edinburgh’s former undisputed former world champion was going to spar two rounds for charity ensured the Capitol’s Lochend Gym was mobbed with boxing fans last week to see the 64 year old legend, voted ‘The Greatest ever post-war Boxing Champion’ by the British public. Buchanan did not disappoint them either as he slipped, slithered and impressively showed flashes of the skills that once enthralled boxing fans from Eddie Thomas’s gym in Penydarren to Madison Square Gardens New York.
His ‘opponent’ was former amatuer boxer Nathan Taylor from Swindon. A clearly impressed Taylor commented: “I’m in my early thirties and Ken Buchanan is 64, but it was like trying to mug mercury in there – I barely laid a glove on him, but this will at least raise much needed fundraising for American former world champion Gerald McClelland.”
McClelland was blinded and paralysed in a bout with Britain’s Nigel Benn in 1995 and, after he has recently faced a cut in funding from the American social security set-up, a plan was hatched to help him out financially here.
Former world champion Alex Arthur also spent a couple of rounds sparring with Taylor, and boxing fans showed their appreciation by liberally dropping £10 and £20 notes – one local business man even donated a cheque for £50 – in a bucket collection around the Lochend gym. The proceeds will be donated to the McClelland Trust Fund.
Phil Jones, Ken’s lifelong Merthyr Tydfil friend and agent, who attended last weeks charity event confirmed that Ken Buchanan’s championship belts – British, European, World, and ‘Ring Magazine’ belts – will soon be on public display at the Royal Scottish Museum in Edinburgh for all to see.
Someone will Sink to canvas If Moore meets Sinclar in Mouthwatering Irish Title Clash
James Moore believes he is close to making a long overdue return to Ireland and securing a shot at Irish light middleweight champion Neil Sinclair.
However, the American based 2001 World Amateur Championship Bronze medalist, claims there will be nothing prolonged about the mouthwatering clash if it does come off.
Moore (17-2) confirmed his Irish manager, Tommy Egan is close to making the fight-which would be the chief support bout to Martin Rogan and Sam Sexton’s rematch on October 9- and predicts if the clash does materialise one of the former amateur stars will be consult the canvas.
The Arklow native, whose only appearance as pro in Ireland came back in 2006, envisages a “shoot out between two bangers” that would really excite Irish fans.
Moore is also excited about the prospect of returning home to Ireland and revisiting the Odyssey Arena. The Belfast venue is where he achieved his greatest amateur success and Moore is hoping it will also play host to his greatest pro boxing triumph.
“My Irish manager Tommy Egan contacted me about the fight and I was instantly interested. Sinky and myself would make a quality Irish title fight. We are both big punchers and it would most certainly be a shoot out between two bangers. I am certain it wouldn’t go the distance and one of us would be stopped. I have the up-most respect for Sinky and I would have to be at my best to beat him. Personally I would love the fight to be made. I would love to fight in Ireland again and it could possibly be the start of a European journey for me. My last fight in the Odyssey was back in 2001 when I won bronze in the world amateur championships. I would love to return to the venue and win again. I think it’s a fight the fans want too. Two former amateur Irish stars doing battle for a title in front of a sell out crowd. It would be a great support bout for an exciting Rogan and Sexton showdown.” Moore explained early this week.