Tony Bellew could realise a lifelong dream of stepping out at Goodison Park as he challenges for the WBC cruiserweight title.
The Merseyside-born fighter is set to take on Ilunga Makabu for the crown this summer and promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that Everton’s spiritual home is among the potential venues.
Hearn’s father Barry has already held talks with Blues chairman Bill Kenwright about the prospect of hosting a boxing match for the first time in the Grand Old Lady’s history.
Bellew has paid tribute to his lifelong affinity with Everton by sporting the club’s crest on his ring attire as well as in a featured during the recent Hollywood blockbuster ‘Creed’.
And Hearn has revealed that the 33-year-old would head up a billing of home-grown boxers, including the Smith brothers.
He said: “June 4 is in play. My dad spoke to Everton chairman Bill Kenwright because they go back a long way and they are champing at the bit.
“It’s novelty and how big is it? I think it does 20,000. Does it do 30,000? Or 40,000? It could do. I don’t know. It is a one off.
“It wouldn’t be just Bellew on the show, it would be Paul Smith, Callum Smith and hopefully if Stephen Smith wins the world title, he can defend there as well.
“It could be a massive-scale show. It’s gone from a pipe dream to being on the verge of reality.”
Everton manager Roberto Martinez today gave his backing to plans to afford Bellew a homecoming fight.
He said: “It’s a proper opportunity to see a great Evertonian enjoying Goodison in a different manner.
“We will all be behind him if it can happen.”