BOXING BUDDIES: Sly and Bellew worked together on the hit film Creed

The diehard Evertonian takes on Congo’s Ilunga Makabu for the vacant WBC cruiserweight title on Sunday night at Goodison Park.

Bellew got the chance to visualise fighting at the home of Everton when he starred in Stallone’s Rocky spin-off Creed last year.

The Liverpool fighter – who challenged twice for light-heavyweight world titles – became friends with Stallone, who is also an Everton fan.

Bellew also became close with co star Michael B Jordan and Creed director Ryan Coogler.

He invited them all to the event, which is expected to sell up to 20,000 tickets.

But because of their hectic Hollywood schedules he will have to made do with some good luck from the silver screen stars.

Bellew said: “I was supposed to go to Ryan's wedding at the start of the month, but I was deep in camp.

“I've remained friends with Ryan and his wife, he's got a beautiful family, and will do for the rest of my days.

“MBJ is a good friend of mine and we speak, but these guys are so busy. They have one day off a week on a Sunday and everything else is planned to the diary.

BIG FAN: Stallone is an Everton fan

“Sly lives through a diary. He has three PAs! Who has three secretaries?

“I will get an email message or text or a phone call from them this week saying 'Tone, best of luck, champ. Catch you soon'. That's enough for me.

“I may speak to Ryan and MBJ or Sly, but they're such busy people.

“They're invited, but I know Ryan is shooting Black Panther with MBJ and Sly is doing something regarding a new movie of his own.”

Bellew – who sometimes trains at Everton’s Finch Farm facility – is also expecting a few big-name Toffees to be ringside.

David Unsworth – who took charge of the first team when Roberto Martinez was sacked – and former striker Duncan Ferguson will be there along with ex-defender Sylvain Distin.

Bellew added: “Big Duncan is coming, Tony Hibbert, Sylvain is coming over from the south of France. Sylvain is my good friend.

“Unsy, everyone associated with the club. I just want to make it a momentous occasion.”