Tony Bellew and David Haye battled through 11 rounds of hard-hitting boxing earlier this year at the O2 Arena, with the Liverpudlian coming out on top after Haye’s team threw in the towel before the 11th round could conclude.

After this victory, Bellew would be right to think it would earn him a ranking, and a decent ranking at that, in the WBA rankings.

However, this still isn’t the case.

Bellew is absolutely perplexed at the fact he isn’t in the rankings, especially considering he is a former WBC cruiserweight title holder, as well as also capturing the British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles earlier in his career.

The 34-year-old is also sixth in the WBC’s ranking, although, that doesn’t seem enough for Bellew.

He was quoted talking about his rankings and his rematch with Haye in his Metro column: "I see I’m now No.6 in WBC’s heavyweight rankings, and that’s very flattering. But, ultimately it counts for nothing.

"I have to get in the ring on December 17 and win. And then I’m sure I’ll be even further up the rankings.

"What is amazing is that Haye was ranked so highly with the WBA and I then beat him, but I can’t get into their rankings.”

Being ranked at No.6 in the WBC’s heavyweight rankings is no small feat. So, one can understand why Bellew is so confused by the whole ordeal.

Haye was ranked relatively highly in both the WBA and WBO at the time of the clash between the two men, yet Bellew cannot seem to catch a break with either body.

‘The Bomber’ looks to challenge New Zealander Joseph Parker if negations with the unified champion Anthony Joshua fall through in the spring. However, without a ranking in the WBO or WBA, Bellew will find it hard to talk his way into that fight.

For now, however, Bellew will be looking ahead to his upcoming rematch with David Haye on December 17, taking place at the O2 once more.

A win over his rival this time will surely earn Bellew a place in the WBA’s rankings.