Yesterday, top British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport held a press conference to announce their next show, branded "No Retreat, No Surrender." This will be headlined by a WBC world title eliminator between the locally celebrated Liverpudlian powerhouse Tony Bellew (19-1-0 12 KO's) and slick boxing Malawian Isaac Chilemba (20-1-1 9 KO's).
With this card set for the popular Echo Arena in Liverpool, Tony Bellew is enthusiastic about returning to his hometown crowd in this, the biggest fight of his career. As an added incentive, a victory here guarantees him a mandatory position against talented American Chad Dawson. Ironically, Dawson faces heavy-handed Jean Pascal in Canada just a week before.
Bellew, age 30, is throwing his hat in the ring at a world title shot for the 2nd time. After early struggles and lapses, most notably a narrow decision dropped against local rival WBO beltholder Nathan Cleverly. Since then, he has scrapped fringe contenders Edison "Pantera" Miranda and Roberto Bolonti with mid-fight knockouts. He is in his very physical prime right now.
Chilemba, age 25, is coming around the block for the first time. After spending his first 15 fights overcoming stiff local opposition in his recently adopted homeland of South Africa, he has gone 4-0 in the United States under the Dibella Entertainment banner. A victory here would truly take his career off on the international stage.
From a basic analytical standpoint, this is a superb boxer vs puncher fight. Bellew is known for pressuring and throwing highly powerful shots. While Chilemba is known for good movement and exceptionally light punching power, he succeeds using his speed and high volume punching. If you would like to attend the event, be sure to purchase your tickets at www.echoarena.com
The captivating undercard is primarily topped off with a rematch of a 2012 Fight-of-the-Year candidate between regional combatants Derry Matthews and Anthony Crolla. This surefire war may steal the show and keep fans on their feet.
Sky Sports will televise the extravagant show as a doubleheader in the United Kingdom.
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