great interview with bellew

[15829]

cant wait for him to be headling the echo arena, alls he needs is a few more learning fights then he'l be ready for anyone

EVEN if he never chose to punch for pounds, Tony Bellew’s story would still remain a compelling one. The Toxteth puncher’s amateur career was one of heartbreak and triumph that culminated in a conversion to the professional code due to familiar backstage politics.

A three-time ABA champion, Bellew was an essential character in amateur boxing’s brief rally in the middle of the last decade. Liverpool’s Bellew delivered impeccably throughout this period often appearing in superb tussles against international opposition. The controversial decision to omit the exciting heavyweight from the highly successful 2006 Commonwealth Games squad was a choice that forced Bellew into the paid arena. Amateur boxing had lost its biggest personality.

Almost four years on, “Bomber” Bellew stands tall as one of British boxing’s most cherished prospects. Since forging an alliance with leading promoter allegedly, Bellew has amassed a perfect 12-0 record with two thirds of his opponents failing to hear the final bell. The unbeaten star contains high regard for his veteran guider.

“Everything has been perfect with Frank since day one,” admits Bellew. “I couldn’t wish for nothing more from him. Ever since I first turned over he has gone out of his way for me on more than one occasion. He always keeps in touch to see how I’m coping with things and when I was out injured with my hand he kept in contact on a regular basis. I know there’s a lot of other promoters out there that wouldn’t have given me the time of day. Frank’s been so loyal to me.”

My discussion with Bellew took place on a congested M62 three days after Amir Khan’s public defection to American big-hitters Golden Boy Promotions. The acquisition of the Bolton 10-stoner by Oscar De La Hoya’s company is not the first time Warren has lost his headline act.

“I was disgusted,” declares a passionate Bellew. “allegedly literally scraped Amir up off the floor in Manchester following the Prescott fight and done the best repair job in the history of our sport. Can you tell me any other promoter who has done to a fighter what Frank has done for Khan? Can you?”

Bellew added, “Every last thing that Amir wanted, Frank went out and got it for him. He delivered Mario Kindelan in front of terrestrial TV before Khan had even thrown a professional punch, he went out and got [Marco Antonio] Barrerra, and he got him a world title shot in front of his home crowd practically. He also told me this week that he had a deal in place for a unification fight with Timothy Bradley that would have taken place over here so there’s no way he can be accused of never delivering. Frank went out of his way for Amir and he didn’t deserve this.”

Bellew also blames the input of renowned trainer Freddie Roach for Khan’s upheaval. “Boxing for me is a sport made up of duties and roles,” Bellew explained. “Fighters fight, trainers train and promoters promote. When one of those roles incorporates another, you begin to get problems. Roach is a trainer and that’s all he is. He should have no other input in Khan’s career other than that of his training duties.”

Although there is many a boxing enthusiast who can grasp the reasoning in Khan’s venture stateside, one would find it difficult to negate with Bellew’s passionate stance. But what would he have done in Khan’s position?

“For me right now, nothing is better than fighting for Warren,” Bellew stated. “The man just doesn’t deliver fights, he delivers defining moments. [Jeff] Lacy, [Kostya] Tszyu, Barrerra, [Manuel] Medina, all them fighters were brought to Britain by Frank for all our big names to work with. Look at how all them nights have been remembered. If it’s not broke then don’t fix it.”

He continues, “Khan has made a mistake by signing with Golden Boy and I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be something he regrets. I’ve already heard that he’s fighting on the undercard of [Roy] Jones-[Bernard] Hopkins II in April and that’s just laughable. How can you go from winning a world title in your own backyard to defending it on an undercard of a fight that real boxing fan’s don’t even want to see. For me, nothing could ever beat fighting for world titles in front of your own people. Obviously Amir’s different.”

The passion demonstrated thus far from the Scouse prospect remains when discussing his chief target, undefeated Welshman Nathan Cleverly.

“I want the fight right now,” demands Bellew, “Obviously I can see the business side of thing by delaying it a little further but believe me, when it happens, he’s got no hope.”

“He’s a good kid with quick hands but I know every last thing about him. I’ve watched him so many times. I know he can’t fight going backwards and if he tries to stand and fight with me, I’ll destroy him. Take it from me; I’m going to be the man that ruins Nathan Cleverly. This is only going to go about seven-eight rounds and after that he’ll never be the same again. I’m going to finish him for good.”

Next up for the studious Bellew is another fight in his hometown on March 12 as chief support to the local grudge match between British super-middle boss Paul Smith and former champion Tony Dodson. Rumours of a title match for Bellew are rife and the heavy-handed Everton fan has no fear of his potential opponents at Liverpool’s Echo Arena.

“It’s looking like its going to be Ovill McKenzie or JJ Ojeuderie for the Commonwealth hopefully [if British and Commonwealth king Cleverly vacates]. I don’t really care who it is as there’s no-one who’s going to stop me going all the way. With a bit more experience and a few more rounds in the tank I’ll definitely be up there. Whether it’s Chad Dawson or Tavoris Cloud, in 18 months’ time, there isn’t going to be a light-heavyweight in the world who I’m not ready for.”

[whiskey]

That is a great piece, i must say

I liked his comments on roles and he is spot on there.

[Scrap]

Tonys a nice Kid, talks sense.

[MrBoxingUK2]

good interview i like it alot. do you think warren is an angel tho tony? if you don't make him money then he shafts you. i have no sympathy for warren.

[jBacca]

Quality piece.. Chris Walker is Quiet Man 2004 right? Nice work fella

There's only one fighter that gets me riled up for a fight and that's Bomber. Perfect personality for the sport and the city. Only disappointing thing is that he's a bitter blue.

Keep working Bomber, and i'll certainly be putting money on you stopping Clev within 8.

[Daveyswan]

I dont post often prefer to scan... but have to say not many people about like Bellew! his honesty, determination and "say it like he sees it" attitude is so so refreshing in a world where people pussy foot about....

When him and Cleverly fight it's gonna be massive , can really see a lot of press attention for that fight!

[Scrap]

Ive worked with Frankie Boy, people never mention how many people try to shaft Him. Over the years theres been many, treat Him with respect you get it back simple.

[bennie]

Chris Walker is a highly talented writer, the new Sid Dye.

[freddie boswell]

Bombers going to be a big star no star no doubt about it and when he leaves warren for goldenboy in a few years amid numerous court cases I will never bring up these interviews were tony makes him out to be a saint DD
Only joking bomber lad good interview and I hope training goes well for you.
Hope you get ovil mckenzie that should be a cracking scrap.

[Bomber 1]

I just say what I feel to be honest but to be fair the article is class and the way it is written is very professional, I hope Chris get's some regular work from this he's a super kid with a vast knowledge on the game and a huge desire for it too..

[MrBoxingUK2]

I dont post often prefer to scan... but have to say not many people about like Bellew! his honesty, determination and "say it like he sees it" attitude is so so refreshing in a world where people pussy foot about....

When him and Cleverly fight it's gonna be massive , can really see a lot of press attention for that fight!

exactly what i think. i love people that speak there mind. froch tells people exactly what he thinks of them. he gets alot of respect for it. but most people end up moaning about him being arrogant.(snobs)

[tonyevs]

Yep. What Tony Bellew says about Khan and potential match-ups is exactly as you`d expect from a (not so young) prospect

I hope he can develop into a genuine challenger to Cleverly in the not too distant future .. because at the moment there isn`t any real guys on the British scene to push Cleverly.

[righthook]

great interview!

chris walker is becoming a top class writer. but to be honest the type of person bellew is, the interview wouldnt of needed too much work,

what a fight it is going to be in a years time or so. (bellew v cleverly) every1 talks about how good cleverly is and rightly so to be honest coz hes doing everything right at the moment and looking good doing it. but saying that bellew is hot on his tail he only lacks a bit of experience, bellews looking better each fight, and there two styles will make for some very good viewing, if cleverly believes he can have a tear up with bellew like he recently stated then i believe he will be very mistaken and get k.od, cleverlys not faced any1 so far who hits half as hard as bellew, so im not sure him saying he will stay in the middle of the ring and mixing it up with bellew would be the wisest thing he could do.

[hurlock]

i like bellew & admire him as he gives us fans somthing to look forward too,as he wants to take on our best & prove himself.
but i didnt like reading that he'll finish a lad's career, it really aint nice to read as people need to feed there family's.

as 4 khan you cant comment really unless you know the figures he'll be turning over now.of course warren can supply bradley the guys cheap as chips & even tho very good he aint really recognised to the big market like marquez otherwise he wouldnt come to the uk
goldenboy will be great for khan i mean the guy has came from lightweight olympic gold & won world titles right through each division, he's advice & guidance can only mean great things for the kid. if i had a choice to learn the game here or stateside u.s all day long.

im sure bellew would stay with warren if he realised he could secure his wealth elsewhere.

[NazNaci1]

Nathan wont be a push over, Tony, as I am sure you already know. He is one hard geezer, so something will have to give.

Good luck to you, fella, in your career. I really hope you do make the most of your talent.

[Bomber 1]

I don't think for 1 min Nathan will be a pushover but from what Im seeing he don't fight going backwards an 1 thing I promise he will not be pushing me backwards I can guarentee that much..

I believe once he's beaten he'll concentrate on what his maths degree can do for him as he clearly has other talents in other fields, Very bright kid and I feel if he loses he'll think why go through the punishment when I can earn top money without it.

As for Amir I satnd by my comments BUT I do think he'll come back to Frank with his tail between his legs in the end..

[tonyevs]

[quote="Bomber 1"]I don't think for 1 min Nathan will be a pushover but from what Im seeing he don't fight going backwards an 1 thing I promise he will not be pushing me backwards I can guarentee that much..

quote]

But how would you manage if he did push you backwards? do you see yourself a better back foot fighter??

I wish you every success Tony, I really do. But I`m not sure if the fight would suit you sooner rather than later?

Sooner, and maybe you would have the edge in strength .. but Cleverly would have the edge in experience. He shared the gym for many many years with Calzaghe, so that experience would probably be alot more helpfull than any of his actual fights.
Later, and maybe your advantage in strength would disapear? Cleverly is looking stronger and hitting harder in every fight. At the age 22 he is still developing physically, whilst you being a few years older, will already have all the strength your likely to get.

Good luck anyway.

[alexpaterson]

Good read

Cleverly v Bellew would be cracking

[Londonirish]

Great Fella and a Excellent Boxer, imo he will Achieve Big Big things....

[Daveyswan]

To be honest i'm a convert to him. When I first saw/heard bellew thought another prospect/banger. Then over time learning about his amateur achievments, if I remember correct as a heavey?. Could have been easy to turn over as a cruiser and watching his fights and I think a little clip of him sparring Garcia the man seems to have substance and talent.

[llamalew]

He’s a good kid with quick hands but I know every last thing about him. I’ve watched him so many times. I know he can’t fight going backwards and if he tries to stand and fight with me, I’ll destroy him. Take it from me; I’m going to be the man that ruins Nathan Cleverly. This is only going to go about seven-eight rounds and after that he’ll never be the same again. I’m going to finish him for good.”

bit of a bold statement for tony to make considering he hasn't gone past 6 rounds yet. think nathan is a massive step up in quality from the level that he's been fighting at. should set his targets at some of cleverly's past opponents to draw some worthwhile comparisons for now.
then a genuine british superfight could be on the card a couple of years down the line if both keep winning.

[hurlock]

past conquest's is the route & alot can be explained then.clev showed v oakey he could box on the retreat,very good win even tho oakey wasnt 100% he was still at the races.
bellew can deffo hurt clev,& get in his head to make him see red to take the play for him.personally i see bellew outboxing him on the retreat himself, you also never know if bellews hands will hold out.
late stoppage or pts or even wiped out early by bellew.

[tonyevs]

I wonder if the same people here who have 100% confidence in Bellew beating Cleverly .. would be just as sure of Cleverly beating Bellew if it was Nathan that posted on the site and not Tony

[15829]

jamie moore posts on here but am confident that barker and macklin would beat him alot of people supporting bellew are from around liverpool so it more a local think than tony posting one here

[jBacca]

I wonder if the same people here who have 100% confidence in Bellew beating Cleverly .. would be just as sure of Cleverly beating Bellew if it was Nathan that posted on the site and not Tony

So our opinions are based on the fact that Tony posts here, and not because he can box and has the power to put people to sleep?