Bellew Ready For World Title Shot
Tony Bellew is prepared to take a path to the top that does not involve Nathan Cleverly.
The only blemish on the Liverpool mans 19-fight record is last Octobers gutsy points defeat to the WBO light heavyweight champion, but a rematch does not seem to be on the horizon for the bitter domestic rivals.
Cleverly last weekend defended his crown against the little-known American Shawn Hawk, while Bellew will tonight take on Argentina`s Roberto Bolonti as chief support to Carl Froch in Nottingham.
Bolonti is ranked above Bellew in every organisation and is regarded to present a sterner test than Hawk did for Cleverly - with Bellew himself claiming to have turned Hawk down.
The 29-year-old no longer wants to get caught up on Cleverly, though, and is planning to win a title without fighting him again.
"I dont even pay him (Cleverly) any attention, I think its a joke," said Bellew.
"The guy he fought last time, I actually rejected him. Shaun Hawk`s name was on the list and I knocked him back and took the highest-ranked opponent (Edison Miranda).
"I dont need him to progress in my career and Im not going to even give him a word, it`s just a joke."
It is just a little over two months since Bellew`s last ring appearance when he knocked out Miranda at Alexandra Palace.
Up-and-coming fighters often turn out on bill after bill, but it is more unusual in the higher echelons of the sport.
Bellew, though, is happy to put in the miles if it gets him to where he wants to be.
"Im ready, I cant wait for the action to start and for the bell to go," he said.
"Its been a good 10-week camp, Ive come straight off the back of the last fight and I`m looking forward to getting back in the ring and doing the business.
"Its a pleasure, being an active fighter is being a good one and thanks to everyone involved with me, my trainers, promoters, TV companies, Im busy.
"Thats all Ive ever wanted, to be a busy fighter and earn an honest living and thats what Im doing. I`m fit, healthy and here to do a job."
Bolonti comes to England with a 30-1 record that has been accrued entirely in Argentina.
"He ranks above me in every single organisation. Hes WBC number five, above me in the IBF and WBA and Ive got to get in there and prove the ranking wrong and take his away from him," Bellew said.
"He comes here with a very high ranking, but he isn`t going to leave with it."