Tony Bellew-Edison Miranda: London ready to be rocked

Big Hitters: Both Bellew and Miranda are knockout artists

By Peter Wells: Interest in boxing is once again hotting up, and with a cracking weekend of top class boxing ahead of us, British boxing is getting more than it's fair share of crackers. Ajose Olusegun takes on Lucas Matthysse on Sunday morning UK time, but a few hours before that Mersyside hero Tony Bellew takes centre stage in what promises to be a fantastic encounter.

Edison Miranda is his opponent in what could be the toughest fight of his career so far. Bellew's toughest fight to date happened last year when he was a huge underdog going into his grudge match against WBO Light Heavyweight champion, Nathan Cleverly. Tony surpassed all expectation, losing on a majority decision (I scored the fight even 114-114). Cleverly was able to continue his reign unbeaten, but it was Bellew that left the ring with the most credit.

Bellew returned to action in April, destroying Danny McIntosh in 5 rounds to show that he no longer belongs at that level.  Bellew a big Everton fan has gotten himself to this stage of his career the hard way. He had to go about seeking a world title his own way and even now as he looks for a second shot at a world title he is taking on as tough a gatekeeper as there is.

His opponent Edison Miranda has mixed with the best throughout his career, mostly at Middleweight and Super Middleweight. His best asset and one he will be bringing up with him is his ferocious knockout power. 30 of his 35 victims have failed to hear the final bell and Arthur Abraham came out worse in their 2006 clash as Edison broke the German's jaw. Miranda floored Allan Green twice on route to a unanimous decision win before losing by knockout to the equally heavy handed Kelly Pavlik. Abraham then knocked out Edison in 4 before being dominated by Andre Ward, although Ward has so far dominated everyone he's been in the ring with. A knockout defeat to Lucian Bute proved he no longer belonged with the elite but is still a stern test for any fighter on the cusp of a title. A latest defeat to Isaac Chilemba will give Bellow plenty of encouragement going into the fight.

Still this is a huge test for Bellew and one he will need to pass if he is to get another shot at a world title. Bellew has plenty of power himself and the Colombian can be taken out. I envision Bellew letting his opponent come forward and picking him off with sharp counters. Miranda will put Tony's chin to the test but I expect him to hold firm before stopping Miranda late. It could be a cracker, I mean it will be a cracker and one that is not to be missed.