Tony Bellew to fight undisputed cruiserweight champion Oleksandr Usyk

Liverpool-born Bellew is stepping down a division following heavyweight success against David Haye to face Usyk

'On November 10th, I’m going to do something that nobody has ever done before, I’m going to knock out an undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world' (Getty Images)

Tony Bellew will fight Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed world cruiserweight title at Manchester Arena on 10 November in what has been called a “UK first”.

Liverpool-born Bellew is stepping down a division following heavyweight success against David Haye to face Usyk – who holds the WBO, WBC, WBA and IBF titles after winning the World Boxing Super series – in what he has described as an “ultimate test”.

Speaking upon the announcement, Bellew said: “There is no greater test than Oleksandr Usyk, he is one of the most feared men in boxing.

“This is nothing new to me, everyone says that I can’t do it again but we’ll find out won’t we.

“I’m not in awe of Oleksandr Usyk and I won’t stand and admire him and allow him to rattle off five-punch combinations on my head.

“On November 10th, I’m going to do something that nobody has ever done before, I’m going to knock out an undisputed cruiserweight champion of the world.”

As the previous holder of the WBC cruiserweight title following his knockout win over Congolese Ilunga Makubu, Bellew admitted that this would be the most “dangerous fight of his life” having competed in 33 bouts to date.

His opponent, a 2012 Olympic Gold medallist, became the WBO champion in just his tenth fight having risen through the ranks from amateur to a top professional in the space of less than four years.

He went on to add the WBC belt, IBF and WBA titles to his collection and said following the announcement that he was “delighted” that a venue had been finalised for the event.

Adding that he “cannot wait to fight in the UK”, the Ukrainian said: “He says he will beat me and I love his attitude, but you cannot beat up somebody who is invisible in the ring.

“As always I will be victorious on November 10th.”