Bellew and Cleverly both staying focused on Saturday night ahead of rematch.
There’s an impressive card at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on Saturday, with Tony Bellew and Nathan Cleverly sharing top billing in a star-studded schedule.
Stephen Smith, Rocky Fielding, Luke Campbell and Callum Smith are all in action as they continue their respective paths towards world titles, but ultimately, as outlined in the name of the event, this is all about the build-up to a rematch between two domestic rivals.
Bellew has recently insisted that he will ensure Cleverly retires if they meet again later this year, with the Merseysider appearing more confident and happier having moved up to the cruiserweight division.
Meanwhile, Cleverly will let his work in the ring do the talking, as he faces Alejandro Valori, while Bellew will end the night against Julio Cesar Dos Santos.
Admittedly, while it may well have been tongue-in-cheek, Bellew has suggested that he will look for Cleverly in the crowd after his fight and call him out, but both men know the importance of avoiding any slip-ups on Saturday and keeping the possibility of facing off in the ring for a second time alive.
Meanwhile, Joshua will be eager to put on an assured performance as he makes a step-up in class in terms of opposition, with Matt Skelton labelling him the next Audley Harrison in the build-up.
The Olympic gold medallist brushed off the criticism and appears fully focused on the task in hand as promoter Eddie Hearn continues to monitor his progress and push him up the rankings.
Bellew vs Dos Santos:
Cleverly vs Valori
Joshua vs Skelton:
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