World title challenger Tony Bellew has been handed another stern test after it was announced that he would be facing Edison Miranda on September 8 at London's Alexandra Palace.

The British light-heavyweight champion has previously fought for a world title when he lost a close contest to Nathan Cleverly, but Miranda is arguably an equally tough test having been in the ring with some of the best fighters in the world.

Miranda has previously shared the ring with the likes of Andre Ward, Lucian Bute, Kelly Pavlik and Arthur Abraham. While he may have lost all of these contests he is a dangerous fighter with 30 of his 35 wins coming inside the distance.

Tony Bellew
Tony Bellew in action against world champion Nathan Cleverly [Reuters]

"Miranda's a world-class name and the sort of guy I've been looking to fight for some time now," Bellew told The Sun.

"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. It should be a great fight as he can punch and he comes to fight.

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

Bellew will co-headline the bill with former European middleweight champion Darren Barker who was last seen in action against Sergio Martinez where he was stopped in the 11<sup>th round.

Barker will be in action against Italian Simone Rotolo as he loosks to land the vacant IBF Inter-Continental middleweight title.