The likelihood of this big screen battle becoming real are closer than ever
For some time now talks of a possible fight between Tony Bellew and former P4P king Andre Ward have circulated the rumor mill. According to sources close to the situation real talks have taken place for the two to possibly meet in the future.
Bellew, who’s stock has risen drastically, is coming off of back to back victories over former cruiserweight & heavyweight champion David Haye. Bellew was able to stop Haye fairly convincingly earlier this month in their rematch of a fight in which Haye suffered a significant injury in.
Bellew believes that he can solve the puzzle that is Andre Ward as he told Sky Sports the following;
“I’m bigger and stronger than him and my range is better, but he’s probably quicker. Although he is a master on the inside, an old general, I think I can prove to people that I’m better there. I just believe I can beat him any way I choose. If the fight is at cruiserweight or even at heavyweight, I don’t know yet, I just know I can beat Andre Ward, there is no doubt in my mind.”
Bellew went on to say he hasn’t personally spoken to Ward but did want to wish Ward’s trainer Virgil Hunter, who has been undergoing some medical issues, the best.
“I haven’t spoken to him for a long time. The most important thing is that I want to wish his trainer Virgil Hunter the best and hope he gets well soon, he’s like a father figure to Andre and I send my best to Andre too.”
Ward, who retired last September, has been out of the ring since back to back wins over Sergey Kovalev. He has been open to the possibility of a return if the right situation comes up. Hunter is on record stating that he believes with proper preparation his fighter could even defeat current unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.
There’s a such thing as reaching for greatness and then there’s overreaching as well. To most pundits a fight with Joshua would definitely be overreaching but a bout with Bellew could be enticing for the 34-year-old Oakland native.
It would almost certainly generate a career high payday for both guys and would be the perfect opportunity for one of promoter Eddie Hearn’s “monster” card’s under his new DAZN platform. 3KingsBoxing.com has confirmed with Hearn previously that he has talked with Ward about the fight and there was interest expressed.
So as unlikely as this bout seemed just a few months ago, it’s very possible Wheeler/Conlan could very well become Ward/Bellew now.
By: Chris Henderson
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