Bellew vs Fry Title Bout May Land on Smith/Dodson Card

Published Fri Dec 18, 2009, 5:00 AM

Fight fans in Liverpool may be in for an extra treat on the 12th March next year. Not only will they see the next super middleweight derby fight between Paul Smith and Tony Dodson for Smith’s British title, they may get to witness Tony Bellew and Courtney Fry battle it out for another title in a second local derby fight.

Bellew, whose record is 12-0 (8 early), could face a fighter, in Fry, who recently took the unbeaten Nathan Cleverly eight rounds and will be a step up in class for the top prospect for the vacant WBA international title in his home city. Frank Warren Promotions’ matchmaker Dean Powell made the announcement today at a Press conference announcing the upcoming Paul Smith and Tony Dodson title fight.

“Tony will fight for a vacant championship, which all being well we can announce next week”, revealed Powell, “I can tell you very briefly we have been in negotiations with Courtney Fry for Tony and Courtney to fight for the vacant WBA International championship.”

If the Fry fight falls through then Bellew will still fight for a title as Powell explained. “Courtney will give us an answer the early part of next week - on Monday or Tuesday. Tony Bellew will definitely feature in a championship fight of some description on this card,” confirmed the veteran matchmaker.

It only seemed a matter of time before the big hitting Bellew stepped up and featured in his first title fight. Frank Warren and Dean Powell think the fighter is ready. “I think Tony has improved so much in the last year - beyond all recognition,” stated Powell.

Powell continued: “No disrespect to Paul Smith or Tony Dodson but Tony Bellew is the most consummate professional I have met in 22 years of being involved in this game. His preparation, his diary of his training and his eating is absolutely meticulous, and it’s a big credit to him and his trainer Anthony Farnell, who I feel has done a great job with him.”

Powell finished off by talking about the potential of Bellew and what Liverpool fight fans can expect to see in the future. “We are expecting big things from Tony and the city of Liverpool could get a massive fight. If Tony keeps winning and with Nathan Cleverly due to fight for the European title on the 29th January in Italy it gives the possibility of a big fight between Nathan and Tony,” proclaimed Powell.