Friday 18 May 2018 07:03, UK
Tony Bellew is "very serious" about fighting Andre Ward and is in no doubt that he would beat the former pound-for-pound rated American.
'The Bomber' repeated his heavyweight victory over David Haye earlier this month with a fifth-round stoppage at The O2 and immediately said that "only something huge would tempt him to fight again".
If he does decide to return, whether Bellew stays at heavyweight or moves back down to cruiserweight remains up for debate, but he has identified two-weight world champion Ward as a likely opponent.
The skilful American has not fought since he masterfully defeated Sergey Kovalev for a second time back in June 2017, but Bellew believes that the 34-year-old Californian has stayed active and never officially hung up the gloves.
"Oh, it's very serious, he wants it and I want it," 'The Bomber' exclusively told Sky Sports. "I'd love the fight, he [Ward] is pound-for-pound material.
I just know I can beat Andre Ward, there is no doubt in my mind.
"Ward wants to fight at cruiserweight/heavyweight so we will see. I don't think he's ever been properly retired.
"He has stayed in the gym and he's come out in public and said he's been sparring once a week. Boxing is a hard game to come away from, speaking from experience.
"I still believe I am the best cruiserweight in the world. I left the division the best fighter in there, but I know some people will disagree with that.
"A lot of things will have to be worked out for this fight on the business side, it has to make sense and work for both of us. Someone will have to come up with figures first."
Bellew is respectful of Ward and appreciative of the American's skilful ring-craft, but the Brit says he has no doubt that he would beat and maybe even stop the unbeaten star.
"We are coming towards the end of our careers and have been in some wars so we've both got to be happy to get it on.
"I believe I can beat him two ways, I can outbox him or chin him.
"I'm bigger and stronger than him and my range is better, but he's probably quicker. Although he is a master on the inside, an old general, I think I can prove to people that I'm better there.
"I just believe I can beat him any way I choose. If the fight is at cruiserweight or even at heavyweight, I don't know yet, I just know I can beat Andre Ward, there is no doubt in my mind.
"I haven't spoken to him for a long time. The most important thing is that I want to wish his trainer Virgil Hunter the best and hope he gets well soon, he's like a father figure to Andre and I send my best to Andre too."
Watch Adonis Stevenson's WBC title defence vs Badou Jack in Toronto on Sunday, May 19, from 2.30am, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action.
