Friday 29 April 2016 19:46, UK
Lifelong Everton fan Tony Bellew will fight Ilunga Makabu for a world title at Goodison Park, it has been confirmed.
Bellew (26-2-1-KO16) clashes with Congo-born Makabu (19-1-KO18) for the vacant WBC world cruiserweight title on May 29 - live on Sky Sports - and is thrilled by the prospect of his third world title challenge taking place in front of his fellow Evertonians.
"I'm over the moon to get this opportunity," said Bellew. "Eddie Hearn and Bill Kenwright - the chairman of Everton - have got this done. I can't thank them enough. They are both behind me 100 per cent and I'm looking forward to getting this all underway.
Eddie Hearn and Bill Kenwright - the chairman of Everton - have got this done. I can't thank them enough.
"I've been training for four weeks now and this is the defining fight and night of my career. The experience has been passed, I've done it all now, British, Commonwealth, European, beaten fringe contenders, former world champions - I'm ready to conquer the world.
"I can't wait for this all to get under way now, the build-up, press conferences - coming face to face with Ilunga Makabu for the first time.
"The WBC belt has always been the one that I've wanted to win more than any other. I've got unfinished business with that green belt. I lost last time against Adonis Stevenson at light-heavyweight, but I was never a light-heavyweight.
"I was born to lift that belt on May 29. I've achieved my dream getting this fight on. I know I'm going to win. I can't and won't be defeated at Goodison Park - the greatest stadium in the world. I'm expecting the city to turn out in their droves as it's going to be a very special event for us all."
In the recent blockbuster film Creed, Bellew starred alongside the likes of Sylvester Stallone in playing an Everton-supporting world champion named 'Pretty' Ricky Conlan.
Bellew fought for world titles down at light-heavyweight, losing a decision to Nathan Cleverly in 2011 and being stopped in the sixth round by Adonis Stevenson in November 2013.
