Clev gives up his British title; Bellew and McKenzie in rematch

Nathan Cleverly has given up his British light-heavyweight title. In the most recent notice from the Board, Commonwealth champion Tony Bellew was mandated to challenge Cleverly and purse bids requested. The Board have now made Bellew v Ovill McKenzie for the vacant title to take place on February 19th.

This match will satisfy both McKenzie - who challenged Bellew to a re-match only this week - and British boxing fans, many of whom thought Ovill 'The Upsetter' was stopped prematurely in his first contest against Bellew.

McKenzie had Bellew in bags of trouble at the start of their fight last month, dropping him in the first and second rounds. When McKenzie was clumped in the eighth, a quick end was called by referee Phil Edwards.

The winner has been slated to defend against Danny McIntosh, who has his own business to take care of a week today, with a surprise European title shot (the belt is vacant) in France against Thierry Karl.