Bellew gets Miranda in new season

Liverpool's Tony Bellew will face Edison Miranda at Alexandra Palace, north London on September 8.

The light-heavyweight tackles the two-time IBF super middleweight world title challenger for the WBC International light heavyweight title in a co-headlining show with Darren Barker, who will return to action after his world title challenge against Sergio Martinez, facing Italian middleweight champion Simone Rotolo for the IBF Inter Continental middleweight title.

Exciting Columbian Miranda has shared the ring with the likes of Andre Ward, Lucian Bute, Arthur Abraham and Kelly Pavlik, and the 31-year-old will provide a stern test to Bellew.

The 29-year-old was impressive in his last outing with a brutal fifth round KO of Danny McIntosh in April, and says this is the step up he has been craving as he looks to prove he can mix it at World level.

"He's a world class name and the sort of guy I've been looking to fight for some time now," said Bellew.

"When you look at the guys he's fought and the titles he's boxed for you know you are sharing the ring with someone who is at the top level and it should be a great fight as he can punch and he comes to fight.

"McIntosh was a European champ and I beat him up convincingly so I've proved I belong at European level at least but I've always thought that I can aim higher and if I can do a job on Miranda then that will prove it."

"I'm buzzing for this fight and I've already organised half a dozen coaches to come down from Liverpool on the day, and I'm sure there will be more as this is a proper fight not to be missed."

Barker fights for the first time since his Atlantic City showdown with Martinez in October and will be tested by Rotolo, who won the Italian middleweight strap in March with a tenth round stoppage.

That victory extended the 36-year-old's unbeaten run to seven since he lost a controversial split decision for the European title against former world champion Sebastian Sylvester in 2007.