Tony Bellew reignited his fierce rivalry with Nathan Cleverly by branding him a "plastic world champion" moments after the Liverpool fighter claimed a fifth round stoppage over Julio Cesar Dos Santos at the Liverpool Echo arena.

Home favourite Bellew tasted victory over his Brazilian opponent in his second fight at cruiserweight following a debut victory over Valery Brudov in March.

Sparks flew immediately after the bout, with Cleverly and Bellew trading words at ringside. Cleverly had earlier defeated Alejandro Valori in a fourth round stoppage, with the victory pointing to a grudge rematch with Bellew.

Welshman Cleverly successfully defended his WBO light-heavyweight title against Bellew in October 2011 before losing the belt to Russia's Sergey Kovalev last August.

A fired-up Bellew called for Cleverly to face him inside the ropes, telling Sky Sports 1 after his fight: "He knows I want to do it. He knows what I want and we can do it. I ain't 175 (pounds) now. We both know deep down that I was dead at them scales. The tables have turned son.

"I ain't a 16-fight novice who has only fought at British title level. I am now an established pro who has fought better pros than you in lesser fights.

"Let's get this straight, I've achieved the same (as you). You're a plastic world champion. You were never a true world champion. We fought for a belt that shouldn't have even been a world title. It was no better than a domestic title.

"Forget that belt, forget everything. I just want to hurt you."

Cleverly was keen to engage in a war of words with Bellew.

He said: "Don't worry about this talking. I've already come to his home town and beat this guy and guess what? I'm going to do it again and this time it will be in Cardiff.

"Keep on talking mate because I've already beaten you. I'm going to spank you again. I've already spanked you and I'm going to do it again."

Promoter Eddie Hearn gave a strong indication that the rematch would take place before the end of the year.

"We're looking at October or November, here, Manchester or London, it doesn't matter. It's going to be a great fight," Hearn said.

Earlier on the undercard, Anthony Joshua claimed a second round knockout of Matt Skelton while Luke Campbell got the decision against Craig Woodruff and Anthony Ogogo won a fifth round stoppage against Wayne Reed.

ends