Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Tony Bellew (15-0, 10 KO’s) is hoping to add the British title to his belt collection on July 16th in a rematch with Derby’s Ovill McKenzie (18-10), but has no intention of defending it against the new 175lb fighter on the block, Enzo Maccarinelli.
The Liverpudlian, who fights in his home city at the Echo Arena on the undercard to Ricky Burns’ world title defence against Nicky Cook, has become great friends with the Welshman over the years and has no desire to step into the ring with the former cruiserweight world champion now that he has moved down.
“That fight isn’t happening,” said Bellew.
“Me and Enzo are friends and I think he is racing me to Nathan Cleverly anyway.”
The 28 year-old almost secured a last-minute world title challenge against WBO champion Cleverly in London last month, only for weight problems to scupper his plans. Bellew now hopes to pick up the Lonsdale Belt next month and challenge his arch rival sometime next year on his own terms.
Maccarnelli, 31, is yet to be given his comeback date after announcing his intention to campaign at light-heavyweight. The Swansea fighter has been out of the ring sing suffering an horrific knockout defeat to European champion Alexander Frenkel last September and is expected to make an announcement soon.
WBN Editor
Scouser says no British title shot for Maccarinelli
The Liverpudlian, who fights in his home city at the Echo Arena on the undercard to Ricky Burns’ world title defence against Nicky Cook, has become great friends with the Welshman over the years and has no desire to step into the ring with the former cruiserweight world champion now that he has moved down.
“That fight isn’t happening,” said Bellew.
“Me and Enzo are friends and I think he is racing me to Nathan Cleverly anyway.”
The 28 year-old almost secured a last-minute world title challenge against WBO champion Cleverly in London last month, only for weight problems to scupper his plans. Bellew now hopes to pick up the Lonsdale Belt next month and challenge his arch rival sometime next year on his own terms.
Maccarnelli, 31, is yet to be given his comeback date after announcing his intention to campaign at light-heavyweight. The Swansea fighter has been out of the ring sing suffering an horrific knockout defeat to European champion Alexander Frenkel last September and is expected to make an announcement soon.