Bellew looking to make his mark in cruiserweight division after first win.
Tony Bellew admitted that he “switched off” as he survived a seventh-round crisis, but was pleased as he started life as a cruiserweight with a win over Valery Brudov.
After failing for a second time to win a world title as a light-heavyweight, Bellew demonstrated his power after adding weight and put his opponent down three times during the fight.
However, he did have to survive pressure from his Russian rival who stepped up in the seventh round with a ferocious right hand which shook Bellew, but the British star made sure it didn’t come down to the scorecards with a left hook in the final minute of the contest.
The 31-year-old conceded before the fight that he would possibly think about retiring if he was unable to win at the Echo Arena on Saturday night, but he had no such issues after coming through as the victor.
“I’m happy,” Bellew told Sky Sports. “It’s a six out of 10. I won – that’s the main thing.
“I’ve come back from a loss, and a significant loss, so I’ve had a lot of questions to answer. Not to anyone else but me. I’m the one who puts my head on the pillow at night.
“This guy has more KO’s than I’ve had fights. I’m happy I’ve done it late on too, as it shows I carry power.”
Bellew will now likely target moving his way through the ranks quickly as he conceded that he isn’t getting any younger, with champion Marco Huck a likely target.
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