Tony Bellew: 'I won't defend world title in Russia'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter

Published: June 4 2016 | 11:32

Last updated: June 5 2016 | 17:18

WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew says that he has no intention of defending his world title in Russia, but leaves the door open to a bout in the United States.

British cruiserweight Tony Bellew has said that he will not be tempted into defending his world title in Russia.

Last weekend, Bellew recorded an impressive third-round stoppage win over Ilunga Makabu to claim the WBC crown before quickly turning his attention to trying to secure a showdown with David Haye.

Grigory Drozd - whom Bellew is obligated to face upon the previous title holder's return from injury - and WBA and IBF champion Denis Lebedev appear more realistic opponents, but Bellew has insisted that he will only face either man in England or the United States.

The 33-year-old told Sky Sports News: "I'm not going to Russia and my WBC title is not going under any circumstances. Nobody is forcing my hand to go to Russia. Not for Drozd or Lebedev. I will fight Lebedev anywhere, whether it be England or the USA.

"I'm the guy they all want to fight because, at the end of the day, they're all making peanuts and I'm the money man of the cruiserweight division. There's not a man in the cruiserweight division who could sell 5,000 tickets, never mind 20,000 at Goodison Park."

Bellew is scheduled to return to the ring in either October or November.