Tony Bellew knocks out Ilunga Makabu

1. Bellew wins WBC world cruiserweight title with third-round stoppage
2. Bellew had been knocked down in first round
3. His third world title attempt
4. Get Involved: What is the best sporting fairytale? #bbcboxing

Goodnight

Reuters

Well from an emotional ring entrance to a devastating knockout, that offered us plenty did it not?

Little did I think when covering a Tony Bellew news conference many years ago that this brash, trash-talking guy would go to Hollywood, fight for three world titles and ultimately win one.

He'll tell you he's nothing special, that it's all about hard work and determination. If that's the case then maybe we can call push on?

Let's start simple, go and dominate the kettle, make yourself a brew for a winner. Tomorrow we can conquer the world.

For now, sleep well, thank you for your company.

13 world champions

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Just what is going on in British boxing?

This is an era of eras. They line up the title fights, our fighters win the title fights. 

A classy moment

It's nice though I think you'll agree that in the thick of all the chaos and celebrations, Tony Bellew made time to go to the corner of his floored opponent and utter some kind words.

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This is not a dream

These are the moments Tony Bellew dreamed of. He is in the dressing room at Goodison Park and everyone wants a slice of him. Everton legends Graham Stuart and Ian Snodin are posing for pictures with their man, as is Barry Hearn.

The 13th UK world champion

We have done our sums here at BBC Sport and there are now 13 British world champions.

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Ricky Burns, Lee Selby, Jamie McDonnell, Terry Flanagan, Lee Haskins, Anthony Crolla, Kell Brook, Liam Smith, Billy Joe Saunders, James DeGale, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and now Tony Bellew.

Bellew calling

That's right Alex, he pretty much called out every cruiserweight on earth after the fight.

'One of the best nights'

Tony Bellew's promoter Eddie Hearn: "This is one of the best nights I've ever been a part of. I can't believe Tony Bellew is a world champion. He can fight them all. It's an unbelievable night. Thank you to all the people of Liverpool and of course to Everton Football Club."

The moment

'It was a disaster of a camp'

New WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew: "It was a disaster of a camp. Four weeks ago I had a detatched rib, I had a messed up left hand.

"Two weeks ago I was in a hyperbaric chamber. But who cares?!"

'King Kong couldn't keep me down'

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New WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew: "This is the only fight of my life that I have dreamed every single night that I would lose. But I did it, I won. I am the world champion.

"I am the best cruiser weight in the world. King Kong and 25 men couldn't keep me on the floor tonight.

"I am the closest thing to unbeatable since Floyd Mayweather - but only at Goodison!"

Booming boxing

'I am Everton'

New WBC cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew: "I got knocked down but that's what I do.

"I told you I am Everton. that's why I got up. Nothing was going to stop me tonight. I cried in the dressing room two hours ago when I got here. I achieved the dream tonight, I am world champion, that's what I am.

"I believe in my coach and these people around me. My dad, my missus, my sons, I do it all for them. So much credit to a lot of people 

"The only thing I have to say is EVERTON! EVERTON!

"The last time I saw that was in a Hollywood film Michael Buffer was here tonight!"

Bellew is all in

Tony Bellew has his green belt draped over his shoulder.

There can't be many fights where someone is put on their back in round one and then less than six minutes later is a winner and champion.

He was told by his trainer not to be "too greedy" but when the chance came, Bellew went all in.

The knockout was a perfect mix of overwhelming an opponent with activity and power. There was a slim chance Ilunga Makabu could stay standing for a little longer but the left hook, so perfectly pointed across the chin, put the lights out.

Support for Bellew

Support for Bellew

Tony Bellew's pro career started in October 2007. He fought at leisure centre after leisure centre along the way and who'd have thought there'd be a night like this in store?

The scenes in the ring are those which sum up the relief, the joy and the sheer satisfaction that a man who has invested so much has his reward.

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A contrast...

Everton Football Club chairman Bill Kenwright is in the ring and gets a hug from Tony Bellew. I'd say I'm the only person in the north-west of England yet to get a hug from the champion.

Ilunga Makabu is distraught in his corner. He's hunched on his stool, no words will do for him. Cruel but that final left hook would have KO'd an elephant.

A stunning finale

Looking back at the closing stages it was a left hook which shifted the momentum. From the hunted to the hunter, Tony Bellew was across the ring after his man.

There were dozens of shots thrown, the key ones being a right hook to again shake his man and then a succession of straight rights through the guard to do damage. A left hook as the finale got the job done. Cue piles of the boxing fraternity entering the ring and general chaos.

Get Involved

Martin Pearson-Wiggs: OMG! Tony Bellew amazing, patient and well finished and wow what a finish!! Boom boom Bellow - happy days.

Andrew Priestley: Tony Bellew inside 3 rounds, thank you and goodnight! The power that he unloaded in those punches was frightening!