Bellew gets home town date for McIntosh clash

Coldwell Boxing are delighted to announce that the British light-heavyweight title clash between champion Tony Bellew and challenger Danny McIntosh will officially take place on Saturday, April 14 at Liverpool's Echo Arena.

“Staging a fight of this magnitude at Liverpool's Echo Arena is a real signal of intent, and shows fans, boxers and fellow promoters exactly where Coldwell Boxing are looking to go in 2012 and beyond,” said promoter Dave Coldwell.

“The Echo Arena is one of Britain's very best indoor arenas and has already staged some of the most thrilling domestic boxing matches in recent years. I have every confidence this British title clash between Bellew and McIntosh could be the best one yet. These men have styles that should mesh nicely on fight night and, as any boxing fan will tell you, both Tony and Danny can end a fight in an instant, such is their punch power.”

British king Bellew is 16-1 as a professional and has halted ten of his beaten foes within the scheduled distance. He won three ABA heavyweight titles in the amateur ranks and has scooped both British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight belts as a pro. Last year he also challenged for the WBO world light-heavyweight title challenger, dropping a close and competitive decision to champion Nathan Cleverly.

“I'm proud to be British champion, as this is a belt that I spent my entire childhood dreaming about,” said Bellew. “Holding this belt tells the rest of the world you are the cream of the crop in your country, and that means a lot to me. In order to maintain that tag, I have to clean out my division and prove to the public that I am by far the best light-heavyweight on the domestic scene.

“Danny McIntosh is a very capable fighter in his own right, but I must get him out of the way on April 14 if I am to hold on to my belt and and work my way towards another world title shot. Therefore, this is a major fight in my career and one I have to take seriously.”

Challenger McIntosh, meanwhile, is 13-2 (7 KO) and turned professional in April 2005. He won the English light-heavyweight title in just his eighth pro bout, before losing in a British and Commonwealth title fight against Cleverly in 2009. However, in January 2011, McIntosh shocked the world when travelling to France to knockout home hero Thierry Karl, lifting the European light-heavyweight belt in the process.

“I can't wait for this opportunity to finally get my hands on the British title,” said McIntosh. “Winning the European title in 2011 was an absolute dream come true, and I will always cherish that moment, but there is something really special about the Lonsdale belt. Every boxer in Britain wants to hold that title at some point in their career and, on April 14, I get another chance to put it around my waist.

“We all know Bellew is a very strong puncher with good amateur pedigree, but I feel I have the tools and style to present him with problems and bring those belts back to Norwich with me.”

Champion and challenger will come head-to-head for the first time at a Coldwell Boxing press conference scheduled for Monday, January 30.

Tickets for 'The Big Bang: Bellew vs. McIntosh' will soon be available to purchase via the Echo Arena Box Office.

For up to date info follow @davidcoldwell on Twitter or visit www.coldwellboxing.com