By Joe Hewlett
Tony Bellew has weighed in at 14st 3lbs 4oz ahead of his first defence of the WBC cruiserweight world title, ounces under the limit.
The 33-year-old Scouser will be taking on American cruiserweight BJ Flores in front of a packed 11,000 seat sell-out at the Liverpool Echo Arena on Saturday night.
It was only five months ago, Bellew strolled out at Goodison Park stripped in his Everton kit to defeat Ilunga Makabu to claim his first world title.
It has been a triumphant last 12 months of the calendar year for the Evertonian, not only becoming a world champion but also starring in Stallone’s blockbuster ‘Creed.’
If you think the glamour and fame has gone to Bellew’s head, then think again, he told Sky Sports: “There is always pressure on you in every fight you’re in but Saturday night does bring something new to the table. Where I’ve always been the hunter, always searching for the bigger fight, on Saturday night I become the hunted.
“I am ready for a war , no matter what it takes, and I’ll go to wherever I’ll have to go to keep by green belt.”
Bellew is a decided favourite at 1/10 odds, while Flores comes in a 6/1. Coverage of the WBC title will be shown live on Sky Sports 2 with the undercard starting from 8pm onwards.