British light-heavyweight boxer Tony Bellew believes that Everton right-back Tony Hibbert has potential to become an amateur boxer.

The Everton-supporting fighter says that Victor Anichebe and Sylvain Distin could also handle themselves in the ring.

"There are a few good boxers at the club," Bellew told the Daily Mail. "Sylvain Distin and Victor Anichebe are big, heavy guys and now that they know how to punch correctly, I'd fear for any player trying to chop into them. If they hit you, you're going out like a light.

"Distin is just massive, he's the best athlete I've ever trained with in any sport and I've trained with some of the best in the country including Amir Khan and David Haye.

"If he hits anyone with that left hand, they're going to sleep, but Tony Hibbert could actually box. He could have an amateur fight and do well."

The 30-year-old will go toe to toe with Malawi's Isaac Chilemba in an eliminator fight at Liverpool's Echo Arena on March 30 for a chance to meet WBC champion Chad Dawson in the ring.