Bellew ‘serious’ about taking on American Ward
Tony Bellew is “very serious” about fighting Andre Ward and is in no doubt that he would beat the former pound-for-pound rated American. ‘The Bomber’ repeated his heavyweight victory over David Haye earlier this month with a fifth-round stoppage at The O2 and immediately said that “only something huge would tempt him to fight again”.
If he does decide to return, whether Bellew stays at heavyweight or moves back down to cruiserweight remains up for debate, but he has identified two-weight world champion Ward as a likely opponent.
The skilful American has not fought since he masterfully defeated Sergey Kovalev for a second time back in June 2017, but Bellew believes that the 34-year-old Californian has stayed active and never officially hung up the gloves.
“Oh, it’s very serious, he wants it and I want it,” ‘The Bomber’ exclusively told Sky Sports. “I’d love the fight, he [Ward] is pound-forpound material.
“Ward wants to fight at cruiserweight/heavyweight so we will see. I don’t think he’s ever been properly retired.
“He has stayed in the gym and he’s come out in public and said he’s been sparring once a week. Boxing is a hard game to come away from, speaking from experience.
“We are coming towards the end of our careers and have been in some wars so we’ve both got to be happy to get it on.
“I believe I can beat him two ways, I can outbox him or chin him.”
Andre Ward says he would be willing to fight Tony Bellew at cruiserweight.
“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.”