Newly crowned WBC Cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew will make his first title defense in a later this year
It was announced this week that Bellew (27-2-1, 17 KO) will square off against B.J. Flores (32-2-1, 20 KO) on October 15 at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England.
Bellew, who is on a 7-fight win streak, won the vacant WBC Cruiserweight title when he knocked out Ilunga Makabu in the third round back in May. Bellew didn't mince words when talking about his opponent.
“I am going to smash B.J. Flores to bits and be the first man stop him,” Bellew said. “All he keeps saying is that I am a light heavyweight, I am this, I am that, so we will soon find out. He’s been mouthing off and following me around for a couple of years and I’m just a little bit fed up with him now. That’s the best way to look at it."
Flores has won 8 of his last 9 fights. He challenged for the Interim WBA World Cruiserweight title but lost to Beibut Shumenov via unanimous decision on July 2015. Flores said that he is focused on winning the world title.
“I am looking forward to this massive opportunity to become WBC champion of the world,” Flores said. “I will completely dedicate the next 63 days of my life to making sure I am 100 percent ready on fight night. Tony is a good fighter and has earned his title. Many UK fans are not familiar with my style and will be in for a real treat on October 15."
In the undercard, Sean Dodd (11-2-1, 2 KO) will defend his WBC International Lightweight title against Gary Sykes (28-5, 6 KO). The main card will be televised on Sky Sports in the UK.
