Tony Bellew believes that his dream of landing another world title opportunity could soon be a reality if he can get past the tough Malawian fighter Isaac Chilemba on March 30.

The bout is a final eliminator to see who gets a shot at WBC champion Chad Dawson and it appears as though that fight could not be made relatively soon.

Tony Bellew
Tony Bellew in action in his first world title fight with Nathan Cleverly [Reuters]

Dawson was due to put his title on the line in a rematch with Jean Pascal, but there are now suggestions that the Canadian will instead decide to move down in weight in order to challenge his compatriot Lucian Bute.

Should this be the case then Bellew may find that an opportunity at challenging for the world title could well be less than six months away.

"The Chilemba fight is the biggest and toughest of my career so far," Bellew told Sky Sports. "We know what's at stake. Chad Dawson is a step closer now, especially after this Pascal v Bute rumour. But I'm not getting carried away, I'm just looking forward.

"The future is looking really good now and I'm one fight away from the massive fight I want. I know he's a good fighter and I respect him but at the end of the day when you get in the ring, it's just you and him and no respect gets shown. It is what it is and I'll just keep winning."

Bellew has put together three impressive victories over Danny McIntosh, Edison Miranda and Roberto Bolonti since losing to domestic rival and WBO light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly.

The 30-year-old felt he was hard done by in the contest with the Welsh fighter and will be desperate for another chance to win a world title.

The Liverpudlian has slowly worked his way up the rankings and it viewed as the fourth best light-heavyweight in the world by popular boxing website boxrec.com.