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Tony Bellew

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Tony Bellew
Bellew in 2020
Born
Anthony Lewis Bellew

(1982-11-30) 30 November 1982 (age 41)
Liverpool, England
Other namesBomber
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height6 ft 3 in (191 cm)[1]
Reach74 in (188 cm)[1]
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights34
Wins30
Wins by KO20
Losses3
Draws1
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
English National Championships
Gold medal – first place 2004 London Heavyweight
Gold medal – first place 2005 London Heavyweight
Gold medal – first place 2006 London Heavyweight
Silver medal – second place 2007 London Heavyweight

Anthony Lewis Bellew (born 30 November 1982) is an English former professional boxer who competed from 2007 to 2018, and has since worked as a boxing analyst and commentator. He held the WBC cruiserweight title from 2016 to 2017, and challenged for the undisputed cruiserweight championship in his final fight. At regional level, he held the British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles between 2010 and 2014, the European cruiserweight title from 2015 to 2016, and is a three-time ABA heavyweight champion as an amateur.[2] He portrayed antagonist boxer Ricky Conlan in the 2015 Rocky film Creed.

Early life

Anthony Lewis Bellew was born in the Toxteth area of Liverpool on 30 November 1982,[3] the son of a black mother and white father.[4][5] He first lived on Mulgrave Street in Toxteth, later moving to Smithdown Road in nearby Wavertree.[6]

Amateur career

Fighting out of Liverpool's Rotunda ABC, Bellew claimed both the 2002 and 2003 novice ABA titles by knocking out every man he faced with the exception of Rob Hough who went the 3 rounds from Paramount ABC (Stockport) in the under 10 bouts championships.[citation needed] Then, when he was eligible for the Senior championships, he stepped up to the 91 kg heavyweight class and added even more titles to his collection. In 2006 he lost to Danny Price.[citation needed]

Professional career

Light-heavyweight

Early career

Bellew made his professional boxing debut on 6 October 2007 against journeyman Jamie Ambler and made a winning start with a second-round win. He followed up the victory with further wins in 2007 over Adam Wilcox, fighting at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and Wayne Brooks at the Bolton Arena.[7]

In 2008 Bellew defeated Paul Bonson, Ayitey Powers, Hastings Rasani, Jevgēņijs Andrejevs, and Phil Goodwin to take his record up to 8–0. During 2009 he advanced to an unbeaten 12–0 with further wins against Matthew Ellis, Nick Okoth, Jindrich Velecky, and Martial Bella Oleme.[7]

Commonwealth champion

On 12 March 2010 Bellew challenged for the vacant Commonwealth light-heavyweight title, defeating Atoli Moore at the Echo Arena in Liverpool.[8] He made his first defence of the title on 24 September 2010, defeating Bob Ajisafe at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London with Bellew having to recover from a flash knockdown during the fight.[2] He made his second defence of the title on 9 December 2010, returning to the Echo Arena to stop former Commonwealth champion Ovill McKenzie in the eighth-round despite suffering two knockdowns himself in both the first and second rounds.[9]

On 18 May 2011 it was announced that Bellew would challenge Nathan Cleverly for the WBO light-heavyweight title following a pullout from Cleverly's scheduled opponent Jürgen Brähmer with the fight due to be held only three days later on 21 May 2011. Bellew however, failed to make the weight and was replaced with Aleksy Kuziemski.[10] On 16 July 2011 Bellew made the third defence of his Commonwealth title and also won the vacant British title with a repeat victory over Ovill McKenzie, with the bout this time lasting the full twelve rounds.[11][12]

Bellew vs. Cleverly

It was announced that Bellew would fight Nathan Cleverly in Liverpool, on 15 October 2011, for the WBO light-heavyweight title. Cleverly won the fight via majority decision (MD). One judge scored the bout at 114–114 whereas the other two judges scored the bout at 116–113, and 117–112.[13][14]

After losing to Cleverly, Bellew took on Danny McIntosh for the vacant British light-heavyweight title, knocking McIntosh out in the fifth round. Next he took on former world title challenger Edison Miranda for the WBC International title, and stopped Miranda in the ninth round.

Bellew vs. Chilemba I, II

On 17 November 2012 he beat Roberto Bolonti for the WBC Silver title. Bellew was cut badly but went the full twelve rounds to a win unanimous decision (UD), taking him one step further to a second world title fight. On 30 March 2013, he fought Isaac Chilemba in a title eliminator. The judges scored it a controversial draw.[15][16] Chilemba granted a rematch which Bellew won on the scorecards after twelve rounds via UD (unanimous decision), with 117–112, and 116–112 twice.[17][18]

Bellew vs. Stevenson

Bellew was made mandatory challenger for the WBC light-heavyweight title following the win against Chilemba. However, a fight between Adonis Stevenson and Tavoris Cloud occurred on 28 September 2013 with the winner being made to defend his title against Bellew before the end of the year. Stevenson became the first boxer to stop Bellew, winning the fight via technical knockout (TKO). In round six, Stevenson put Bellew down with a left hand, he beat the count and the referee let the fight go on. Bellew was then on the receiving end of another pair of left hands before the referee could get in and put a stop to the bout. At the time of stoppage, Stevenson was ahead on the scorecards with 50–45 twice, and 49–46.[19][20] Bellew contemplated moving up to cruiserweight after the loss.[21] According to Nielsen Media Research firm, the fight attracted an average of 1.3 million viewers on the HBO network, making it the fifth most watched bout of 2013.[22]

Cruiserweight

Bellew celebrated his first fight as a cruiserweight with a twelfth-round knockout (KO) of Valery Brudov on 15 March 2014 at the Echo Arena in Liverpool. This was for the vacant WBO International cruiserweight title.[23] Bellew successfully defended the title on 12 July 2014 against Julio Cesar Dos Santos via fifth-round TKO. Dos Santos went down following a left to the jaw.[24]

Bellew vs. Cleverly II

On 22 November 2014 Bellew got his rematch against Nathan Cleverly, this time fighting as cruiserweights. The fight took place at the Echo Arena in Liverpool also a WBO cruiserweight championship eliminator. The title was held by Marco Huck at the time. The bout went twelve rounds as Bellew won via split decision (SD). One judge scored the bout 115–114 in favour of Cleverly whereas the other two judges scored the bout 116–112, and 115–113 in favour of Bellew. In the post-fight interview, Bellew said, "I'm over the moon, listen it's over, it's put to bed. We said a lot of things. I don't like him now, but it's been settled tonight. It's over, it's done and I've outworked a great athlete." He also stated that he would accept a rematch at Millennium Stadium if there was any demand for it. Cleverly said he struggled with dealing with Bellew at a higher weight. After the fight, Cleverly moved back down to light-heavyweight.[25][26]

In 2015, Bellew fought two lower ranked opponents, defeating Ivica Bačurin via tenth-round TKO and Artūrs Kuļikauskis via fifth-round TKO.[27][28][29][30]

Bellew vs. Masternak

On 29 November 2015, Sky Sports confirmed that Bellew would fight highly ranked contender and former world title challenger Mateusz Masternak (36–3, 26 KOs) for the vacant European cruiserweight title. The fight took place on 12 December at the O2 Arena in London, as part of the undercard for Anthony Joshua vs. Dillian Whyte.[31] Bellew produced a solid performance as the fight with Masternak was back and forth throughout. Going into the twelfth round, Bellew was winning by one round. Bellew won the fight via UD, with scores of 115–113, and 115–112 twice to capture the European title.[32][33] Bellew earned an £80,000 purse for the bout.[34]

Bellew vs. Makabu

On 29 May 2016, Bellew challenged for the WBC cruiserweight title, vacated by Grigory Drozd, who had been injured and not fought since his KO win in May 2015. Bellew faced Ilunga Makabu (19–1, 18 KOs), who had not lost since his debut back in 2008, at Goodison Park in Liverpool. Makabu was scheduled to fight Drozd, only for the Russian to pull out with an injury, prompting the WBC to strip him.[35] Bellew weighed in at 14st 3lbs 1oz while Makabu took to the scales at just over 14st.[36] Bellew overcame a first-round knockdown to KO Makabu and become WBC champion, winning his first world title.[37] During the post-fight interview, Bellew called out Denis Lebedev, but not in Russia and David Haye at cruiserweight.[38]

Bellew vs. Flores

Bellew announced he would be making his first voluntary defence of his world title at the Echo Arena on 15 October, against 37-year-old BJ Flores (32–2–1, 20 KOs) live on Sky Sports. This was the first time Flores challenged for a major world title, having previously fought for an interim title and the IBO title.[39] The WBC stated the winner had to fight Mairis Briedis next, the mandatory challenger, following his win over Olanrewaju Durodola.[40] Briedis also fought on the undercard, stopping unbeaten prospect Simon Vallily.[41][42] Briedis agreed to take a step aside fee to allow this fight to take place.

After an even first round, the second round produced more action as Bellew hit Flores with a low blow. The referee did not see this as below the belt, however, Flores stopped for a few seconds to motion the referee that he had been hit with a low blow. Whilst doing so, Bellew piled on more pressure, eventually knocking Flores down. Bellew knocked Flores down a further two times in round two, securing a 10–6 round in his favour. After a fourth knockdown in round three, Flores failed to beat the referee's count, declaring Bellew the winner via KO and making a first successful defence of his WBC title. Following the win, Bellew called out former Cruiserweight and heavyweight world champion David Haye, who was ringside, repeating that he was next. Referring to Haye as 'SpongeBob', Bellew carried on the verbal assault in the post-fight interview using profanity and taunting Haye, stating he has been 'conning the British public' since he announced his comeback. Eddie Hearn claimed the fight could take place at heavyweight or at cruiserweight for Bellew's WBC title.[43][44][45]

Heavyweight

Bellew vs. Haye I, II

On 25 November 2016, Eddie Hearn announced via Twitter that Bellew's next fight would be against Haye. The fight date was set for 4 March 2017 at The O2 Arena, London and was shown on Sky Box Office and was Bellew's first heavyweight fight. Due to the fight being at heavyweight, Bellew's WBC cruiserweight title was not on the line.[46][47]

At the first press conference on 30 November, a fight broke out as Bellew and Haye went face to face and it appeared on the replay, Haye had managed to land a left hook on Bellew, leaving a mark. Both fighters were then separated before going their own ways.[48] On 3 March 2017, Haye weighed 224.9 lbs, heavier than Bellew who came in at 213 lbs, a career high.[49][50] The bout started as a stalemate until the sixth round, where Haye injured his ankle and fell down twice. Bellew then took control of the fight as Haye opted to continue. Bellew knocked Haye down and out of the ropes late in the eleventh round. Haye managed to make it to his feet, but his trainer Shane McGuigan threw in the towel, giving Bellew a TKO win. Bellew credited Haye for his bravery, while Haye refused to blame his injury and stated that Bellew was "by far the better fighter", though stated that he wanted a rematch.[51][52] Bellew contemplated retiring after claiming he had done it all. He also revealed he broke his hand in the early rounds.[53] At the time of stoppage, Bellew lead on all three scorecards 96–93. With a 60–40 split of the £7 million purse, Haye earned £4.2 million while Bellew eaned £2.8 million, his biggest purse by far.[54] It was reported that the fight generated 890,000 buys on Sky Box Office PPV.[55]

On 14 March, Hearn said that Bellew would fight again in 2017, a day later, he told Sky Sports that Bellew may need surgery on his broken hand which could see him out of action for up to five months.[56][57]

On 28 March, the WBC changed Bellew's world championship status to Emeritus champion. This also meant the winner between Marco Huck and Mairis Briedis on 1 April would become new world champion and not interim, as it was initially announced.[58][59] The bout was won by Briedis, thus making him the new WBC champion.[60]

In June 2017, Bellew stated that he would next fight in either November or December 2017. He had three potential names to consider, those being WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker, WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder and a rematch with Haye. Parker was his main interest.[61]

In July 2017, Bellew admitted that a potential fight with widely regarded pound for pound number one fighter and unified light-heavyweight champion Andre Ward was of interest and the teams of the respective fighters were currently in negotiations.[62] On 3 August, Hearn stated a rematch between Bellew and Haye was 'virtually dead', due to both fighters believing they are the A-side and have the right to demand ring walks, poster, changing rooms and split of purse.[63] On 6 September, Hearn stated a deal could be made within seven days.[64] According to trainer David Coldwell, both Haye and Bellew had held positive talks and looking more likely to agree to a fight, as long they stay on the same page and agree to the same terms.[65] On 19 September, Haye agreed all the terms and tweeted Bellew to sign the contract. He said, "It's taken months of negotiating but teams have finally agreed all terms for Haye-Bellew 2. Will Bellew put pen to paper?" The fight was reported to take place on Sunday 17 December 2017.[66] Promoter Eddie Hearn stated the fight was not a done deal, but he had hoped to confirm the fight within a week.[67] Bellew replied the following day, tweeting, "I OBLIGE YOU @mrdavidhaye , happy? Now leave me alone with my family please. I'll see you soon enough!"[68] The fight was officially confirmed on 29 September for the fight to take place at The O2 Arena in London. Bellew claimed the rematch wasn't personal any more, just business and hoping to dedicate a win to his late brother-in-law, who had died in August. Haye stated that Bellew wouldn't win the lottery twice. Like the first fight, it was scheduled to be shown live on Sky Box Office.[69][70]

On 20 November, it was reported that Haye had injured his arm and forced to pull out of the fight. In a statement, Haye said, "I am devastated to announce my much-anticipated rematch against Tony Bellew has been postponed until 24 March or 5 May, subject to scheduling. It was believed that the injury occurred during a stair conditioning session." Bellew was said to be disappointed with Haye's announcement, but stated he may take an interim bout.[71][72] Hours after the cancellation was confirmed, Tyson Fury released a video on social media calling out Bellew. In the video, he said, "I'll be ready, willing and waiting to fight Tony Bellew, May 5, O2 Arena, London."[73] Dillian Whyte tweeted Hearn about taking Haye's place and then called Bellew a coward for declining the fight.[74] Speaking about a potential Fury fight, trainer Dave Coldwell said, "That's not a fight I would entertain whatsoever. Fury is big, long and very, very clever in that ring. There's no way that I'd be interested in that fight."[75] The fight was rescheduled for 5 May 2018.[76] Haye weighed 220.2 lbs, 4 lbs lighter than the first fight. Bellew also came in lighter 210.4 lbs.[77]

Bellew knocked Haye down three times, eventually winning the fight via TKO in round five. Haye started the opening two rounds using his jab, leaving a mark around Bellew's right eye. As round three began, both boxers started getting closer and unloading power shots. As Haye started to step backwards around the ring, Bellew landed clean, dropping Haye. At this point it appeared Haye may have injured his ankle, with the Sky Sports commentary team mentioning this, as well as the post-fight interviewer. Haye later denied he was injured. Bellew then dropped Haye again with a hard combination. Bellew came out cautiously in round four, still wary of Haye's power. In round five, both traded punches, but it was a left hook from Bellew that dropped Haye a third time. Haye managed to beat the count again, not long before Bellew started unloading a barrage of punches. With Haye against the ropes, referee Howard Foster stepped in at 2 minutes 14 seconds, giving Bellew his second stoppage win over Haye.[78] Immediately after the fight Haye congratulated Bellew on the win. Bellew went on to dedicate the win to Ashley, his brother-in-law, who had died in August 2017. He also mentioned Andre Ward, who his team had brief negotiations with in 2017. Haye stated he would review the tapes and see what went wrong.[79][80] According to CompuBox stats, Haye landed 42 of 189 punches thrown (22%), only 6 being power punches and Bellew landed 70 of his 219 thrown (32%), with 34 being power punches.[81] Both boxers earned a minimum purse of £2.5 million for the fight, which would increase based on TV revenue and PPV shares.[82]

Return to cruiserweight

Bellew vs. Usyk

On 21 July 2018, Oleksandr Usyk (15–0, 11 KOs) defeated Murat Gassiev via UD to become the undisputed cruiserweight world champion. When asked who he would like to fight next, Usyk said, "At this time I have heard that Tony Bellew wants to fight the winner of the Muhammad Ali Trophy. I hope he will see me talking.... 'hey Tony Bellew, are you ready?' If he doesn't want to go down, I will go up for him. I will eat more spaghetti for my dinner!"[83][84] Bellew responded via social media that he would accept the fight, however stated the fight would need to take place in 2018 and for the undisputed championship. Bellew believed a fight at heavyweight would not be as appealing as he would not gain much with a win. Bellew also stated it would be his last fight as a professional.[85][86] By the end of July, it was said the fight would likely take place in November 2018 in London.[87] After positive meetings between Eddie Hearn and K2's Alexander Krassyuk, on 20 August, Boxing Scene reported the fight was likely to take place on 10 November 2018.[88][89] A week later, K2 Promotions confirmed the date of the fight.[90] On 5 September, the WBA ordered Usyk to start negotiating with Denis Lebedev, who was their 'champion in recess' and gave them until the first week of October 2018 to complete negotiations.[91] This was said to be a stumbling block for the potential Usyk vs. Bellew fight. According to Hearn, the fight was likely to be pushed back to 2019. Prior to negotiations, Bellew stated the fight must happen in 2018.[92][93] On 7 September, Usyk signed a multi-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing, which meant he would fight exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and DAZN in the US.[94] A week after signing with Matchroom, the Usyk vs. Bellew fight was announced to take place on 10 November at the Manchester Arena, live and exclusive on Sky Box Office.[95][96] Experienced British referee Terry O'Connor was named as the official.[97] Bellew weighed 199¼ lbs, just over 2 years since he last made the cruiserweight limit and Usyk weighed 198¼ lbs.[98] Bellew's guaranteed purse for the fight was £4 million.[99]

On fight night, Usyk, who is usually a slow starter, eventually took full control of the bout and stopped Bellew in round eight to retain all the cruiserweight belts. The official time of the stoppage was at 2 minutes of round eight. There was very little action in round one as both boxers showed each other respect. Due to the lack of action, the crowd began to boo towards the end of the round. Overall, Usyk landed just three jabs and Bellew landed one power shot. Round two was similar, however Bellew stepped on the gas and landed some clean shots along with some showboating. Bellew took control in round three, landing two straight right hands. Usyk began using his jab more and after landing an overhand left, Bellew was left slightly shaken. By the end of round four, Bellew was backed up against the ropes and looked to tire. Bellew aimed most of his shots to Usyk's body and by round seven, was missing a lot of shots, mostly due to Usyk's foot movement, and ended the round with a bloodied nose. In round eight, whilst in a neutral corner, Usyk landed a hard left, again buzzing Bellew, forcing him to move away against the ropes. Another left hand wobbled Bellew before Usyk finished him off with another left which dropped Bellew backwards with his head landing on the bottom rope. A brave Bellew tried to get up slowly and beat the count but referee Terry O'Connor stopped the fight. Bellew's ten-fight winning streak came to an end. Judges Alejandro Cid and Steve Gray scored the first seven rounds 68–65 and 67–66 respectively in favour of Bellew, while Yury Koptsev had the fight 67–67.[100][101]

Afterwards, Bellew paid tribute to Usyk and announced his retirement from boxing, saying, "I have been doing this for 20 years, and it is over." Usyk stated 2018 was the most difficult year of his career, but most successful. "We need to put goals in front of us and move towards them," Usyk later stated.[102][103] There was a small concern during Bellew's post-fight interview as many felt he was clearly concussed.[104] According to CompuBox stats, Usyk landed 112 of his 424 punches thrown (26%) and Bellew landed 61 of his 268 thrown (23%). Both landed 47 power shots each.[105]

Retirement

Bellew announced his retirement in the ring following his defeat to Usyk. He retired with a record of 30 wins from 34 professional bouts, with 20 coming inside the distance. He suffered 3 losses and one draw. All three losses came against reigning world champions. During the post-fight press conference, Bellew stated, "It's definitely over now, you won’t see me in a boxing ring again. I just want a normal life, I don’t want this pressure. I only created the name Tony Bellew to make my dad proud. I’ve never been Tony Bellew, I’ve always been Anthony. Everyone who truly knows me calls me Anthony. Tony Bellew died on Saturday, Anthony Bellew comes back alive. I want reality back." He claimed his body could no longer take it.[106][107] On 22 November 2018, via social media, Bellew posted a video and a statement officially confirming his retirement from boxing.[108] In 2020, Tony took part in the Channel 4 Show SAS: Who Dares Wins.[109]

On 28 June 2021, it was announced that Tony Bellew will be joining the UK commentary team for DAZN, contributing to their UK boxing coverage and schedule.[110]

Personal life

Bellew is an avid supporter of his hometown football team Everton F.C., and has been paraded[when?] on the pitch at Goodison Park at half-time during a home game.[citation needed] During his career, he entered the ring to the theme from Z-Cars, the same song to which the team enters the pitch at their home ground.

Professional boxing record

34 fights 30 wins 3 losses
By knockout 20 2
By decision 10 1
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
34 Loss 30–3–1 Oleksandr Usyk KO 8 (12), 2:00 10 Nov 2018 Manchester Arena, Manchester, England For WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, WBO, and The Ring cruiserweight titles
33 Win 30–2–1 David Haye TKO 5 (12), 2:14 5 May 2018 The O2 Arena, London, England
32 Win 29–2–1 David Haye TKO 11 (12), 2:16 4 Mar 2017 The O2 Arena, London, England
31 Win 28–2–1 BJ Flores KO 3 (12), 2:11 15 Oct 2016 Echo Arena, Liverpool, England Retained WBC cruiserweight title
30 Win 27–2–1 Ilunga Makabu KO 3 (12), 1:20 29 May 2016 Goodison Park, Liverpool, England Won vacant WBC cruiserweight title
29 Win 26–2–1 Mateusz Masternak UD 12 12 Dec 2015 The O2 Arena, London, England Won vacant European cruiserweight title
28 Win 25–2–1 Artūrs Kuļikauskis TKO 5 (8), 2:07 5 Sep 2015 First Direct Arena, Leeds, England
27 Win 24–2–1 Ivica Bačurin TKO 10 (10), 1:12 26 Jun 2015 Echo Arena, Liverpool, England
26 Win 23–2–1 Nathan Cleverly SD 12 22 Nov 2014 Echo Arena, Liverpool, England
25 Win 22–2–1 Julio Cesar Dos Santos TKO 5 (12), 1:17 12 Jul 2014 Echo Arena, Liverpool, England Retained WBO International cruiserweight title
24 Win 21–2–1 Valery Brudov KO 12 (12), 2:24 15 Mar 2014 Echo Arena, Liverpool, England Won vacant WBO International cruiserweight title
23 Loss 20–2–1 Adonis Stevenson TKO 6 (12), 1:50 30 Nov 2013 Colisée Pepsi, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada For WBC and The Ring light-heavyweight titles
22 Win 20–1–1 Isaac Chilemba UD 12 25 May 2013 The O2 Arena, London, England Retained WBC Silver light-heavyweight title
21 Draw 19–1–1 Isaac Chilemba SD 12 30 Mar 2013 Echo Arena, Liverpool, England Retained WBC Silver light-heavyweight title
20 Win 19–1 Roberto Bolonti UD 12 17 Nov 2012 Capital FM Arena, Nottingham, England Won vacant WBC Silver light-heavyweight title
19 Win 18–1 Edison Miranda TKO 9 (12), 1:54 8 Sep 2012 Alexandra Palace, London, England Won vacant WBC International Silver light-heavyweight title
18 Win 17–1 Danny McIntosh KO 5 (12), 0:38 27 Apr 2012 Echo Arena, Liverpool, England Retained British light-heavyweight title
17 Loss 16–1 Nathan Cleverly MD 12 15 Oct 2011 Echo Arena, Liverpool, England For WBO light-heavyweight title
16 Win 16–0 Ovill McKenzie UD 12 16 Jul 2011 Echo Arena, Liverpool, England Retained Commonwealth light-heavyweight title;
Won vacant British light-heavyweight title
15 Win 15–0 Ovill McKenzie TKO 8 (12), 2:46 11 Dec 2010 Echo Arena, Liverpool, England Retained Commonwealth light-heavyweight title
14 Win 14–0 Bob Ajisafe UD 12 24 Sep 2010 Grosvenor House Hotel, London, England Retained Commonwealth light-heavyweight title
13 Win 13–0 Atoli Moore TKO 1 (12), 2:27 12 Mar 2010 Echo Arena, Liverpool, England Won vacant Commonwealth light-heavyweight title
12 Win 12–0 Martial Bella Oleme PTS 6 5 Dec 2009 Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, England
11 Win 11–0 Jindrich Velecky TKO 1 (8), 1:28 30 Oct 2009 Echo Arena, Liverpool, England
10 Win 10–0 Nick Okoth TKO 3 (8) 18 Sep 2009 Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, London, England
9 Win 9–0 Mathew Ellis TKO 4 (6), 0:37 15 May 2009 Odyssey Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland
8 Win 8–0 Phil Goodwin KO 2 (4), 1:49 12 Dec 2008 Kingsway Leisure Centre, Widnes, England
7 Win 7–0 Jevgēņijs Andrejevs PTS 4 10 Oct 2008 Everton Park Sports Centre, Liverpool, England
6 Win 6–0 Hastings Rasani TKO 1 (4), 1:52 6 Sep 2008 Manchester Arena, Manchester, England
5 Win 5–0 Ayitey Powers PTS 4 10 Jul 2008 Goresbrook Leisure Centre, London, England
4 Win 4–0 Paul Bonson PTS 4 5 Apr 2008 Bolton Arena, Bolton, England
3 Win 3–0 Wayne Brooks KO 3 (4), 3:00 8 Dec 2007 Bolton Arena, Bolton, England
2 Win 2–0 Adam Wilcox TKO 3 (4), 1:56 3 Nov 2007 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
1 Win 1–0 Jamie Ambler TKO 2 (4), 1:00 6 Oct 2007 Nottingham Arena, Nottingham, England

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
2015 Creed "Pretty" Ricky Conlan
2020 Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins Contestant
2023 Creed III "Pretty" Ricky Conlan Upcoming[111]

Pay-per-view bouts

United Kingdom
Date Fight Network Buys Source
22 Nov 2014 Bellew vs. Cleverly II Sky Box Office
4 Mar 2017 Haye vs. Bellew Sky Box Office 1,515,000 [112][113]
5 May 2018 Bellew vs. Haye II Sky Box Office 1,048,000 [114][113]
9 Nov 2018 Usyk vs. Tony Bellew Sky Box Office 819,000 [115][113]
Total sales Sky Box Office 3,382,000

References

  1. ^ a b Sky Box Office tale of the tape prior to the second David Haye fight.
  2. ^ a b Liverpool Echo | Tony Bellew taken championship distance as he defends Commonwealth light-heavyweight belt against Bob Ajisafe
  3. ^ "Tony Bellew slams Clev's opponent selection". East Side Boxing. 30 March 2012.
  4. ^ "Tony Bellew". Twitter.
  5. ^ Twitter https://twitter.com/tonybellew/status/941255513450450944. Retrieved 14 October 2020. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  6. ^ Sky Sports Boxing (9 November 2018), Tony Bellew on his struggles, being knocked down & Usyk tactics | Meeting John Conteh, retrieved 10 November 2018
  7. ^ a b "BoxRec - Tony Bellew". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
  8. ^ Liverpool Echo | Smith vs Dodson with undercard report of Bellew vs Moore
  9. ^ Echo, Liverpool (13 December 2010). "Tony Bellew shows power to defeat Ovill MCKenzie". liverpoolecho. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
  10. ^ SPORT, Nabil Hassan BBC. "Nathan Cleverly records first world title defence". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
  11. ^ "BBC Sport - Tony Bellew aiming to beat Ovill McKenzie in style". news.bbc.co.uk. 13 May 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
  12. ^ Christ, Scott (16 July 2011). "Tony Bellew Wins Dull Decision Over Ovill McKenzie, Frankie Gavin Disappoints Again". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
  13. ^ "Nathan Cleverly beats Bellew to retain WBO light-heavyweight belt". BBC Sport. 15 October 2011. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
  14. ^ Arena, Jamie Jackson at the Liverpool Echo (15 October 2011). "Nathan Cleverly wins one for Wales as he retains WBO title". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
  15. ^ "Tony Bellew fights to controversial draw with Isaac Chilemba at Echo Arena". Sky Sports. 5 May 2013. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
  16. ^ "Tony Bellew held to a draw by Isaac Chilemba in WBC light-heavyweight fight". Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
  17. ^ "Tony Bellew beats Isaac Chilemba to become mandatory challenger". BBC Sport. 25 May 2013. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
  18. ^ Christ, Scott (25 May 2013). "Results: Bellew tops Chilemba in rematch". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
  19. ^ "WBC light-heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson became first to stop Tony Bellew". Sky Sports. 1 December 2013. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
  20. ^ "Tony Bellew beaten by Adonis Stevenson in WBC title fight". BBC Sport. 1 December 2013. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
  21. ^ "Tony Bellew: Adonis Stevenson defeat prompts cruiserweight move". BBC Boxing. 5 December 2013. Retrieved 19 December 2016.
  22. ^ "Nielsen Ratings: 1.3 million tune into Stevenson/Kovalev twinbill on HBO during Thanksgiving Weekend". Retrieved 5 February 2014.
  23. ^ "BoxRec – Tony Bellew v Valery Brudov". boxrec.com. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  24. ^ "BoxRec – Tony Bellew v Julio Cesar Dos Santos". boxrec.com. Retrieved 6 May 2016.
  25. ^ "Cleverly v Bellew II: Tony Bellew triumphs in rematch with points win over Nathan Cleverly". Sky Sports. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  26. ^ "Tony Bellew beats Nathan Cleverly after 12 rounds in Liverpool". BBC Sport. 23 November 2014. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
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Sporting positions
Amateur boxing titles
Previous:
Mick O'Connell 		ABA heavyweight champion
2004–2006 		Next:
John Dickenson
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Nathan Cleverly 		Commonwealth
light-heavyweight champion
12 March 2010 – 16 July 2011
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Ovill McKenzie
British light-heavyweight champion
16 July 2011 – March 2014
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Bob Ajisafe
New title WBC International Silver
light-heavyweight champion
12 March 2010 – 17 November 2012
Won full Silver title 		Vacant
Title next held by
Ryno Liebenberg
Vacant
Title last held by
Mikkel Kessler 		WBC Silver
light-heavyweight champion
17 November 2012 – 30 November 2013
Lost bid for world title
Vacant
Title last held by
Neil Dawson 		WBO International
cruiserweight champion
15 March 2014 – November 2014
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Noel Gevor
Vacant
Title last held by
Rakhim Chakhkiev 		European cruiserweight champion
12 December 2015 – 6 January 2016
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Dmytro Kucher
World boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Grigory Drozd
as champion in recess 		WBC cruiserweight champion
29 May 2016 – 28 March 2017
Status changed 		Vacant
Title next held by
Mairis Briedis
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tony_Bellew&oldid=1120221280"