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The WBC has ordered Adonis Stevenson to defend his light heavyweight championship against Tony Bellew, but chances are that Stevenson will get an optional defense against Tavoris Cloud on HBO this fall, as promoters Yvon Michel and Don King are negotiating that fight.
Stevenson vs Cloud would depend upon both parties agreeing that the winner will have to face Bellew within 90 days of their fight.
Stevenson (21-1, 18 KO) won the title on June 8, knocking out Chad Dawson in 76 seconds in Montreal. Cloud (24-1, 19 KO) lost his last fight on March 9, dropping his IBF title to Bernard Hopkins. Bellew (20-1-1, 12 KO) gained his mandatory position with a win over Isaac Chilemba on May 25, two months after the two fighters went to a draw.
If the fights go down as currently designed, I can't imagine much argument from anyone. Stevenson-Cloud is a solid fight, and the winner taking on Bellew is legit at this point.