The 30 year-old from Liverpool, who positioned himself as the number one by overcoming Isaac Chilemba in two contests this year, believes that Stevenson was a worthy winner on the night after a huge shot ended the contest with Dawson in just 76 seconds.
“It was a heavy punch by Stevenson, but I feel the effect was so devastating because he blinded Dawson with the jab so essentially he never seen it coming,” Bellew told World Boxing News.
Dawson was coming into the fight on the back of boiling down to 168lbs to face pound for pound-ranked Andre Ward, although Bellew does not feel that the American’s yo-yoing weight was a factor in the manner of his defeat.
“I honestly don’t think it played any part what so ever,” said Bellew. “Dawson looked relaxed and was trying to him impose himself on Stevenson and in my opinion he basically gifted Stevenson with the opportunity.
“I don’t believe in such thing as a lucky punch, he threw the shot with evil intentions. It landed and had the desired effect, for me there is nothing lucky about that.”
Stevenson, 35, has been linked with all manner of opponents since the crushing victory at the Bell Centre in his home country of Canada, with IBF title holder Bernard Hopkins one of those linked to a massive unification.
Bellew is patiently awaiting news from promoter Eddie Hearn on when and where his challenge will happen as the WBC have rules in place that will ensure the ‘Bomber’ will get his chance in the coming months.
“Bernard Hopkins gave his mandatory Karo Murat the chance and I admire that and suggest Stevenson do the same thing because I’m not going anywhere,” the current WBC silver title holder stated.
“You could say Stevenson got his shot through luck as he was only in that ring because Pascal v Bute was made and Chad had a contract to fight Pascal. Chad needed a fight or wanted paying hence the reason for the Stevenson match up.”
America, Canada and even his own hometown of Liverpool have been put forward as potential venues for Bellew’s second career world title chance, with the more likely destination being the venue of Stevenson’s latest triumph.
“I’m happy to go anywhere,” confirmed Bellew. “I see it as he is the champion so why should he travel?
“Stevenson is a good fighter and an elite level P4P puncher so I’m happy to go to his backyard. I feel I have the experience and boxing ability to deliver a good performance and leave Canada with the title in hand.”
