Bellew vs Usyk: Brit relaxed over final fight after Everton experience
TONY BELLEW says facing Aleksandr Usyk in his final boxing match is nothing compared to the pressure of fighting at Goodison Park.
Bellew challenges undisputed champion Aleksandr Usyk on November 10 at the Manchester Arena, in what will likely be the Everton man’s last fight.
The former cruiserweight champion seemed destined to retire after defeating David Haye for the second time in May, though has now dropped down to his old weight to take on the most feared man in boxing.
Bellew is aiming to recapture his old WBC belt, whilst gaining the WBO, WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine titles in the process.
He won the WBC belt on a famous night at Goodison Park in 2016, and has insisted that nothing will ever top that in his career, no matter what the result in November.
The 35-year-old knocked out Ilunga Makabu in front of thousands of Everton fans to capture his first world title belt.
“Nobody can understand the pressure I felt going into the ring at Goodison Park,” he said.
“That was the only fight my little boy has ever attended.
“Nobody will ever understand that, nothing comes close.
“If I’d have lost that fight, I’d never have shown my face again.”
He also admitted that Usyk has the ability to beat him, and praised his technical ability.
“He’s a superstar - the only thing he doesn’t have is the looks,” Bellew said half-joking, half-serious.
“He’s unbelievable at what he does.
“His greatest asset is his feet.
“I won’t be shocked by his speed, his footwork, no matter what he says, he’ll be shocked when he gets hit by me for the first time.
“He’s the best, no two ways about it.
“After I win on November 10 he’s going to go and share a portion of the heavyweight championships.
“He’s an amazing fighter, but November 10 that changes.
“You’ll have to nail me to that canvas.
“You can do it, you really can, but I don’t think you will, it’s going to be hard for him.”