By Altaf Mubarik

BoxingScene.com's ‘The Law’ caught up with top Liverpool prospect Tony ‘Bomber’ Bellew, 12-0 (8), last week for an interview ahead of Tony’s Commonwealth title fight with Atoli Moore, which takes place on the 12th of March at the ECHO Arena, Liverpool.

Hi Bomber, do you know much about your opponent Atoli Moore?

“I know he boxed in the Commonwealth games but I haven’t seen him up close.  He's supposed to be quite small but very game so we'll see just how game he is come the 12th March mate.”

Your opponent's record on Boxrec is 4-0 (2 KO's); I presume that's not his full record?

“His actual record is 10 fights, 10 wins, 6 by KO or RSC.”

You'll be fighting for your first pro title; if successful will you go down the British or European route next?

“I'd love to the traditional route.  It's been well documented about these guys not wanting to fight me, I hope it changes when I win this title.  This should, and hopefully will be, a platform for better fights.”

What are your plans for 2010 and 2011?

“I just want titles!  I'll fight whoever is there at 12st 7pds, and I’ll dodge no one!”

Would you like to face the likes of Tony Jeffries or Nathan Cleverly somewhere down the line?  How do you think you will fair against them?

“Cleverly yes as he's in my division and is regarded by most people to be the number one guy in the country and rightly so, he's done great and has some fantastic skills with good speed.  My aim is to prove I’m a worthy challenger and to keep on winning.  As for Jeffries he's a super middleweight and we’re actually friends so I won't be discussing guys in other weights for now as they bear no reflection on were I want to get.”

Who have you been sparring with?

“I've sparred with a few different people for this fight, Kenny Anderson, 2 good amateurs from Liverpool and 1 from Manchester.  I'll also be sparring with Terry Dunstan towards the end.   Working with Terry is a privilege as he's got fantastic experience and ‘know how’ too.”

How's the mood in the camp?

“It's a very family orientated gym, I respect all the lads in the gym and they’re like brothers at times.  I've known Frankie Gavin a lifetime now and while I know Matt Hall and Ronnie Heffron quite well I've been round Frankie many years.  We ‘get’ each other!  He knows when I’m feeling bad, mad, angry or annoyed with weight.  I miss Stevie Bell who hasn’t been in for a while.  He was like the big brother of the gym and always full of laughter and jokes.  He's also a great actor!”

Do you think you are anywhere near the finished article yet?  Are there any particular aspects of your game that you are working on?

“I have especially worked on my defence and jab since turning over.  I've always been able to punch and have been knocking people cold since the age of 11.  I think I’m nowhere near the finished article.  People will see the best of me in 12 round fights, when I don't have to go out and race to win every round in 4 and 6 rounders.  People don't know it yet but I have good all round boxing skills.  I’m hard to hit and when I hurt you, you stay hurt 99% of the time.”

Anthony Farnell is seen as one of the best young trainers in the country?  How much of an impact has he had on your progress?

“He's had a massive impact on me.  I remember going up to the Phoenix camp in Manchester with Paul Smith and watching him train there and he was a phenomenal trainer!  He worked at the pace of a maniac!  The guy knows no limits and always demands the best from us.

“We work an awful lot on the technical side of things and always have game plans going into fights.  We have game plans A, B and C so we are never found wanting when it comes to crunch time.  I’m super fit now and come the 12th March I'll be in the best shape of my life!  I live and breath boxing.  I’m hugely dedicated and won't stop at nothing ‘till I’m crowned champion and it's Arnie who has instilled that mentality in me, so for that I'll be eternally grateful to him.”

Ronnie Heffron is also fighting on the card, how has he looked in training and what do you think he can potentially achieve in his career?

“Once Ronnie starts relaxing in the ring people will see a different kid.  He's got great sparring in Frankie and Matt so he's learning all the time.  He's a natural athlete and that'll start to come through the more he matures.  He is an awesome little fighter though and I know he'll one day be the best welterweight in Britain.

Frank Warren Promotions currently has an immense array of talent with some of the best prospects in the country.  Are there any particular prospects that really stand out for you?

“Frankie Gavin is the best without doubt for me.  There are others such as Stephen Smith, Billy Joe, Costello, DeGale, etc.  All of them are top fighters but I just feel Frankie has got something special about him.  Stephen and Billy Joe should definitely go on to become world champions though.  I personally think Frankie will be a multi-weight world champion and a pound-for-pound fighter one day!”

How do you see the fight going between Tony Dodson and Paul Smith?

“Tough fight but it'll end up being a great fight.  All depends on who gets their tactics right.  Paul is coming in off a win and Tony is coming in off a loss and maybe that could be a factor.  I personally feel it's a ‘pick em’ fight.”

Is there anything that you would like to say to your fans?

“A huge thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I always have a good following and it means an awful lot to know you have people backing you with their support.  My friends, my family and my sponsors too!  They all help and without them I wouldn't be half the person I am.

“Last but not least I'd also like to say thank you to all the people who give support to me on the boxing forums because I appreciate their support also.  I hope to repay their faith in me.  Shout out's to the likes of Boxingscene, ESB, Boxrec, Warrior and Merseygloves, thank you guys - I hope you enjoy my fights and my views on things.”

Tickets for 'The Pride of Merseyside' are priced at £40, £50, £100, £150 and £200 and are available from:

Liverpool Echo Arena Box Office: 0844 8000 400 or www.echoarena.com

See Tickets: 0871 2200 260 or www.seetickets.com