Tony Bellew has claimed that he would have been a serious problem for Andre Ward if they went head-to-head in the ring.
Ward recently revealed that he had a three-fight plan before retirement which involved the former WBC world cruiserweight champion.
Now Bellew has been given a chance to respond to this shortlist and he believes that his superior size would have created plenty of problems for the American.
"Andre Ward is one of the best fighters of our generation, he is an amazing athlete, but he is too small to compete with me," Bellew told Spinbet.
"My inside game is really good, and I think Andre’s greatest asset is his inside work and boxing ability at range, but he would never have been able to beat me on the inside.
"It wouldn’t have been an issue or a problem for me and stylistically, I would’ve been his worst nightmare possible.
"He is a far better fighter than me and I have no problem saying that he is one of the all-time greats but ultimately, I don’t think he would be able beat me because styles make fights and his style would’ve been perfect for me. I’d have put him on a jab, he wouldn’t have got away from the left hook and ultimately it would’ve drawn him to get up close on the inside and I’m just too big and too strong.
"I don’t know about stopping him. It might be an accumulation (of punches) that gets him, I don’t know. He’s an amazing fighter, better than me but his style doesn’t beat mine."
While Bellew expressed his confidence in beating Ward, he showed plenty of respect to a fighter who is considered a pound-for-pound great within the sport of boxing.
"He retired undefeated and was phenomenal but it’s just that if I wasn’t dead at the weight then I am a problem for anyone," Bellew continued.
"For me to face somebody like Andre who I have got to know personally, I have nothing but respect for him, he is an all-time great and we did the Rocky film, Creed together, and had a great time together. I am fond of him and don’t think he gets the credit he deserves."
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