Tony Bellew is over to the corner of Ilunga Makabu and it's a touch of class from the home fighter.

He says: "I respect you so, so much. We can't be friends before but I respect you so, so much."

The scenes are chaotic. Concern for Ilunga Makabu, joy for Tony Bellew who has tears in his eyes and is being hugged by half of Britain it seems. His family are in the ring, his promoter Eddie Hearn looks to be wiping tears away from his eyes.

Dear me, just when you think this fight is going to settle down we get another big moment. It's firework-like, blistering.

Ilunga Makabu was making the pace very early in the third and got countered, sparking a change in momentum and from that second he was on the run. Tony Bellew went after him with devastating strikes. They packed power, accuracy and before you knew it, only the ropes were keeping the away fighter in the ring.

Still the shots flew in, still he soaked them up but a swinging left to the jaw was telling. Makabu was out on his feet, his body wilted instantly.

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There's a steady pace to this. Ilunga Makabu goes after him a little but gets caught as he comes on strong and now its Makabu on the run. 

Tony Bellew has him on the run, this is rapid-fire stuff suddenly, nothing coming back, is it going to be over? IT IS.

I make that one round apiece. If you are just joining us, Tony Bellew was floored in round one.

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Tony Bellew may well now be tentative for a bit. That was such a wake up call and it could stop him coming forward a little.

He's showing respect in round two, pawing away with the left jab and looking for space but he's almost scared to go into the pocket where the leather could fly from the Congolese.

A right to the body from Bellew, a left to the side of his opponent and this time the Liverpool fighter gets away from the action, no longer greedy as his own trainer called him a few moments ago.

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Martin Pearson-Wiggs: Lets go Tony Bellew it's time.....

Andrew Priestley: Tony Bellew to harness the energy of this fervent home support and to end this fight inside 3 rounds.

That left hand was an absolute stunner from Ilunga Makabu and now Tony Bellew has to win this fight having been put down.

Such was his momentum he hit the deck and backward rolled up onto his feet. Wow. 

Makabu just soaked a bit of pressure up and said have some of this. Talk about setting a trap.

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Trainer Dave Coldwell: "You got greedy, you forgot about defence."

Bellew: "That was a good shot"

The Everton songs ring out and the fighters meet in the middle of the ring. Straight right, hooked left from Bellew. Good flicked jab from Ilunga Makabu lands but suddenly he is cornered and Tony Bellew is able to measure him up, an early opening.... he puts the pressure on and throws some body shots, this is a great round for him is it? NO... suddenly, from nowhere Bellew is down. It was a straight left to the kisser.

I repeat: BELLEW IS DOWN.

Blue shorts for Bellew, some glitter on there, he leads with his left hand in his orthodox style. You can see his added height early on, a much bigger, rangier man. Ilunga Makabu leads with the right hand - southpaw. And at the first sight of action from Bellew, this crowd are roaring. Nothing all too meaningful, just a bit of energy, but boy did it ignite some noise.

Tony Bellew dances on the spot, shadow boxing as his name is read.

The pair meet at the middle of the ring for referee instructions. Touch gloves, they do as he says and after a brief bow in his corner and moment of reflection, this is it.

Tony Bellew hugs his trainer Dave Coldwell. Here we go...

"The officials are ready, the fighters are in the ring and they are ready, boxing fans, are you ready?

"For the thousands in attendance and millions watching around the world, ladies and gentleman, from Liverpool, England, let's get ready to rumble."

This is what it comes down to. Orthodox against southpaw remember. Always makes for a few hairy moments...

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And Michael Buffer asks for respect for the national anthems. It's the turn of the Democratic Republic of Congo first.

Ilunga Makabu looks like he's about to go for a morning jog, bouncing on the spot, fairly emotionless, the most movement comes from his red gloves.

Now to God Save the Queen as Tony Bellew's trained Dave Coldwell has a word with his man. Some final hints and tips.

To the ring steps. Suddenly Tony Bellew is visible to those at the back of the arena.

A British flag flutters in the ring and in he bounces. He has a blue, somewhat glittery top on (not sure he could pull that off on a night out in Liverpool city centre) and has his hood up.

Blue from head to toe.

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