Rematch expected to be a world-title eliminator, but more at stake than that…
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that he has two dates in mind in November for the grudge rematch between Tony Bellew and Nathan Cleverly.
With both fighters coming through tests earlier this month to stay on their ‘Collision Course’, Hearn has revealed that they will either meet in Manchester on November 1 or in Liverpool on November 29.
While he continues to go through logistical factors as well as assessing the demand for the fight with the MEN Arena holding 20,000 compared to 12,000 at the Echo Arena, Hearn believes that the venom between the pair is much more vicious and real than what it was between Carl Froch and George Groves.
Unfortunately, the fight will not be as popular as that rematch at Wembley back in May, but Bellew has made no secret of his desire to end his rival’s career in their second meeting, while Cleverly is undoubtedly ready to silence his opponent.
Bellew offered an explanation as to why he dislikes the Welshman so much after their first bout, which he lost on points back in 2011, as Hearn claims that for the first time in Liverpool earlier this month, he saw a different side to Cleverly who was ready to go at it.
The Merseysider claims that Cleverly was disrespectful towards him after the fight in his press conference despite telling him in the ring immediately after the bell that he was one of the toughest opponents that he had ever faced.
Bellew has never been able to forget and forgive, and as a result that has led to the build-up to this fight which promises to be more explosive than the first given that both men have now stepped up to the cruiserweight division.
“As a promoter this is good and bad. If this spills out of control, it will be bad for all of us. These guys are role models and it has to happen in the ring,” Hearn wrote in his Daily Mail column.
“But on the other hand, when the grudge is authentic and the fighters are well matched, then you have something special. I’d say there is much more venom in this than Carl Froch- George Groves.”
After exchanging words at ringside in Liverpool earlier this month, both men will be eagerly awaiting an announcement regarding the date for their rematch.
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