Bellew answers Cleverly SOS and promises to knock Welshman 'out cold' in title bout

By Sportsmail Reporter Updated: 02:30 EST, 19 May 2011

Commonwealth champion Tony Bellew has vowed to knock Nathan Cleverly 'out cold' after accepting an offer to step in to face the Welshman at the O2 Arena this Saturday.

Bellew, who boasts a 15-0 record, accepted the WBO title fight late on Wednesday evening after Juergen Braehmer pulled out of the light-heavyweight bout with an eye injury.

Packing a punch: Bellew (right) says he will knock Cleverly 'out cold' when the duo meet on Saturday night

The 28-year-old, who has an impressive record of 10 knock-outs, said: 'I'm coming down to London to fight and believe [me] when I say I'm going to knock Cleverly out cold.

'I wouldn't have put myself forward if I didn't think I could beat him. 'Two months notice or two day's notice, I know I can beat Cleverly.'

Cleverly, who will make his first defence of his new belt following Braehmer's late withdrawal added: 'I'm really happy that Bellew will be in the opposite corner.

Eyes on the prize: Cleverly will fight Commonwealth champion Bellew for the WBO title

'I knew we'd get it on one day and that day has come sooner than expected. I'm ready - he's going to get knocked out.

'Not only will Bellew feel my anger from Braehmer pulling out, but he'll now pay for slagging me off in the last year.'

Promoter Frank Warren spent Wednesday evening negotiating with the Puerto Rico-based WBO in the hope that they would demote Braehmer and name Cleverly champion.

No show: Braehmer relinquished his title after pulling out of the fight on Saturday

In the meantime he looked for viable replacement opponents worthy of a pay-per-view event and with world title credentials.

Bellew, ranked in the WBO top 20, jumped at the chance, while the governing body granted Warren's wish overnight.

'The fight between Nathan and Tony has been brewing up in the last year and it's happened sooner than expected,' Warren said.

'But I'm delighted that the fight is on and the fans are in for a real treat on Saturday night.

'There is nothing like big domestic fights and in this case on Saturday at the O2 we have two big title fights involving British guys and I'm expecting fireworks in the ring.'

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