Tony Bellew changed to WBC Emeritus Cruiserweight Champion after heavyweight move

The Liverpudlian has not stated which weight he intends to fight at

Bellew's last cruiserweight fight came in October (Getty)

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.

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.”