Dan Rafael, ESPN Senior Writer 10y

Cleverly-Bellew rematch on tap

Once rivals Nathan Cleverly and Tony Bellew successfully navigated fights on the same July 12 card -- both winning by knockout - Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn got to work on their rematch.

Cleverly-Bellew II was supposed to take place on Dec. 6 in Sheffield, England -- on the undercard of newly crowned welterweight titlist Kell Brook's first defense. However, Brook suffered a stab wound and his fight has been cancelled. He won't return to action until next year, so Hearn is working on a new date and location for the much-anticipated Cleverly-Bellew rematch.

They first met in 2011 when Wales' Cleverly won a disputed majority decision over Bellew in his hometown of Liverpool, England to retain a version of the light heavyweight world title.

Both went on their separate paths after the fight but a rematch always figured to go down and will, now that they are campaigning as cruiserweights.

"We are almost there," Hearn said. "Having been originally set for Dec. 6, we are now finalizing a new date and venue and I hope to have the deal tied up this week. This is a wonderful fight -- two great fighters with a genuine rivalry that will keep fans on their toes in and outside the ring. I can't wait for this fight, and of course the build up."

Cleverly (28-1, 14 KOs), 27, wound up losing his light heavyweight title by one-sided fourth-round knockout to Sergey Kovalev 13 months ago and then moved up to cruiserweight, where he has won two fights in a row. He is anxious to fight Bellew again.

"I've always said I will fight him anytime anywhere," Cleverly said. "The result will be the same as before, a Nathan Cleverly victory. The only slight change this time is I doubt he will hear the final bell. I'm excited for the fight. It will capture the public's imagination and become a huge event. I'm looking forward to making it 2-0 and moving on to a shot at the title."

Bellew (22-2-1, 14 KOs), 31, got a second world title shot against Adonis Stevenson last November and got crushed in the sixth-round of a one-sided fight. Bellew then moved up to cruiserweight and has also won two in a row. Now he wants revenge against Cleverly.

"I don't just want to beat him, I want to finish him," Bellew said. "He won't want to get in the ring ever again after our fight. Putting the record straight means more to me than a world title. I'm going to put myself through hell in camp and picture his face during every moment. I cannot wait."

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