Germany's Marco Huck and Latvia's Mairis Briedis will battle for the full WBC cruiserweight title in Dortmund on April 1.

This news comes after the WBC confirmed that Tony Bellew is now "emeritus champion" and no longer holds the full title at cruiserweight under their governing body. 

Bellew had claimed the WBC cruiserweight belt after a third round knockout of Ilunga Makabu in May of last year and had defended it once with another third round knockout victory over BJ Flores last October.

Bellew moved up to the heavyweight division earlier this month to fight fellow Brit David Haye in a fight that was marred by ill feeling and insults between the two boxers during the build up, for which Haye may face further disciplinary action.

Bellew went on to surprisingly beat Haye in an 11th round stoppage, and leave his opponent requiring surgery on his Achilles tendon.

However, Bellew is now facing a five-month lay-off after he himself sustained a hand injury which could also require surgery.

As Bellew is expected to stay in the heavyweight division, the WBC has decided to alter his status as champion to emeritus until the outcome of the Huck-Breidis bout.

A statement from the WBC read: "Tony Bellew has become a major attraction in the heavyweight division and is at this moment uncertain of his next steps following his life-changing victory.

"This scenario might keep him from defending his cruiserweight title in some time, reason for which the WBC Board of Governors unanimously voted to designate him as emeritus champion of the world, which grants him the right to fight for the cruiserweight championship at any given time with full support from the WBC while maintaining his rights as world champion.

"The WBC hereby confirms that the fight between Mairis Briedis and Marco Huck will be for the WBC cruiserweight championship of the world and the winner will abide by the ruling of the WBC board regarding the mandatory defences."

Despite already enjoying a relatively fruitful career, Bellew's name shot to fame when he got himself a date with Haye in the ring.

However, that was just the beginning for the Evertonian as after his shock victory, he's now predicted to go up against some of the biggest names in the heavyweight division.

Bellew himself has already confirmed he's in negotiations with Joseph Parker and Deontay Wilder, but he's also confirmed that retirement is still on his mind.

Although his future is far from certain, at least the cruiserweight division finally has some clarity following weeks of uncertainty.