Bellew eager to win major honours

Bellew was a three-time national champion as an amateur

Unbeaten Liverpool light-heavyweight Tony Bellew is targeting a move into championship class in 2009.

Bellew, 26, knocked-out Phil Goodwin inside two rounds in Widnes on Friday night to win his eighth straight fight since turning professional in 2007.

"I need one shot and I'll wipe anyone out. I feel I'm the strongest light-heavyweight in the country," he told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"I know in 2009 I'm going to bring titles back to Liverpool."

Bellew, who won three ABA titles at heavyweight, is keen to stress he has more to offer than power.

"I don't always look for the knock-out, I'd like to get that straight, I'm a boxer first and I'm a good counter-puncher.

"I have many strings to my bow and power is just one."

The bill at the Kingsway Leisure Centre was topped by Nathan Cleverly, who successfully defended his Commonwealth light-heavyweight title with a fourth round knock-out of Douglas Otieno.

Elswhere on the bill locally, there were wins for Liverpool brothers Stephen, Paul and Liam Smith.

The Smiths made history as it was the first time three brothers from Liverpool had boxed on a professional show together.

Featherweight Stephen beat Anthony Hanna on points over four rounds.

Older brother Paul won his six round middleweight contest against Ciaran Healey on points and youngest brother Liam knocked-out John Van Emmis in the first round of their welterweight contest.