Bellew's last cruiserweight fight came in October (Getty)
Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing
Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news
Tony Bellew’s WBC cruiserweight champion status has been changed as a result of his move up to heavyweight.
The 34-year-old made the jump up a weight class to face David Haye this month and shocked the boxing world after the Londoner’s corner threw in the towel as he struggled with a ruptured Achilles.
However, Bellew has not fought at cruiserweight since last October after winning the title in May and because he has not stated which weight class he will fight at, the WBC has changed him to the Emeritus Champion – meaning he can return to cruiserweight to contest the title at any time.
David Haye vs Tony Bellew - in pictures
Show all 15
Consequently, the fight this Saturday between Mairis Briedis and Marco Huck will be for the title after a unanimous decision by the WBC’s board.
In a statement, the WBC said: “Tony Bellew has become a major attraction in the heavyweight division and is at this moment uncertain of his next steps following his life changing victory.
“The Emeritus Champion designation is a privilege, which has been successfully used by some of the great champions of the history of our organisation including Vitali Klitschko, Floyd Mayweather, Bernard Hopkins, Erik Morales and other greats.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments