At the third time of asking, a nine-year professional career has finally culminated in a world title victory for Liverpool's Tony Bellew.
There had been talk that only between 17,000 and 20,000 tickets had been sold for his WBC World cruiserweight clash with the dangerous Ilunga Makabu who came into the contest with 18 knockouts in his 19 victories.
It certainly didn't dim the noise as Bellew picked himself off the floor in the first round to halt the Congolese puncher in the second. And if he didn't fill it tonight, he'll certainly fill it when he defends his new belt after this high-octane and show-ending performance.
Congratulations, @TonyBellew! #AndTheNew pic.twitter.com/jiJp43nTRp
— Cardiff Shooters (@CardiffShooters) May 29, 2016
Boom.
'The Bomber' is a divisive figure in British boxing; until tonight, he couldn't shake the perception that he was all bark and no bite; indeed, his power at world-level has even been called into question in recent years which, considering he built his name as a KO-merchant, likely arrived as quite a concern.
There was no questioning the left hand which ended his heavily-favoured opponent tonight, however, and the occasionally brash and mouthy Bellew - who behind the scenes is, bizarrely, a soft-spoken family man - called out the world to come and take the belt off him.
@TonyBellew telling the world to come and try to take the WBC World Cruiserweight off him pic.twitter.com/6SXColwgLi
— SPORTSBOOKCOLLECTOR (@FrankiesBooks) May 29, 2016
Certainly a better finish for the Evertonian than the end of Creed. There was some concern for Bellew's opponent, who eventually came to his senses, sparking a genuinely heart-warming embrace between the pair in the fallen former champion's corner.
You can see that along with the full fight - an absolute cracker - below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=h4leBLGFTdc
