Bellew sounds stupid when he talks..

[Boxingnut]

I have nothing but complete respect for Bellew. He's a former 175 pounder, not big at cruiserweight, and he moved up to heavyweight to face what most people thought - me included - was a total hiding to nothing. Yes, he did it for money - he is a professional fighter - but it takes balls to do what he did. Can't believe all the grief he gets. At the end of the day, we're sat at a device being wise after the event, from the safety of our homes. Bellew got into the ring and went through hell before winning an amazing fight. Threads like this will be why a lot of professional fighters will think internet forums are full of xxxxholes. Don't mean to cause offence to fellow fans but that's my view.

100% agree

[Tarkus]

Bellew is selling his next fight. The last one supposed to be his last. But he got fortunate like few people ever get. So this gives him yet another opportunity to make shit loads money through another outrageous matchmaking. History's biggest chicken, Wilder is already jumping on the opportunity to knock him out.

Bellew is only a decent boxer. But now he became boxings premier circus act.

[tobyh5]

I have nothing but complete respect for Bellew. He's a former 175 pounder, not big at cruiserweight, and he moved up to heavyweight to face what most people thought - me included - was a total hiding to nothing. Yes, he did it for money - he is a professional fighter - but it takes balls to do what he did. Can't believe all the grief he gets. At the end of the day, we're sat at a device being wise after the event, from the safety of our homes. Bellew got into the ring and went through hell before winning an amazing fight. Threads like this will be why a lot of professional fighters will think internet forums are full of xxxxholes. Don't mean to cause offence to fellow fans but that's my view.

100% agree

Could not agree more.

By the way, I mentioned boxrec to Bellew and he looked at me with a bit of a snort. (I should know better, I know the history)

[Cyclops]

Bellew winning was the worst thing to happen to boxing in Britain in a long time. Now it will justify all the mismatches, all the Khan-Canelos, all the Brook-Golovkin. Not only did this mismatch sell big, but the underdog actually "won". He won by Haye being both shot and his foot falling off mid fight, but the casuals have seen a blood and guts war, bravery and courage. Next, AJ will probably beat a shot 42 year old man and be proclaimed Muhammad Ali. And after that, who's going to challenge him? Wilder's got his pathetic mandatory with stiverne and his #beef with Brezeale. Meanwhile, down at cruiserweight, where the good fights are, actually probably the most exciting division in boxing, nobody gives a fornicate.

I'm pleased for Bellew as a bloke. Well done. I'm pleased for Haye, too. They both got paid.

But as a boxing fan, as they say on NBP, I'm pure raging. That fight was fornicating terrible, and things are only going to get worse off the back of it. I'm done. With Kovalev losing to that shithouse Andre Ward, Degale basically taking a hiding (draw or no draw), GGG never having a competitive fight, Canelo being quite content to be Golden Boy's meal ticket... I couldn't even be bothered with Garcia Thurman. I really like Thurman and hated Garcia so I should have been happy, but I just don't care.

Tony Bellew is not stupid. He's probably the most accomplished active British fighter. Just that fact alone tells you where boxing is at. The sport is fucked.

[TheLeprechaun]

I think something that's misunderstood is the financial aspect of the game.

These big "mismatch" fights are big sellers. If we look at Haye now, he probably netted 3 million pounds for that. You can retire off that and live comfortably. He'll never have to worry about money again if he's smart. I suppose part of analysing a fight is taking this into account and figuring out which fighters would happily lose fights for 3 million quid. Quite a few I'd say. Brook against GGG comes to mind. OK he gave it a go but I think they knew that he was overmatched and were happy to pull him out when the going got tough and bank the million quid.

One thing I dislike about boxing is the dishonesty of fighters beforehand. I know they have to say they had great camps and feel better than ever but when it comes out afterward that they were lying, it's very disappointing and offputting. I don't see why a doctor can't do a thorough check on a fighter before the fight. It seems like they probably just take a blood pressure reading and ask the fighter if they feel OK.

[Coco]

I have nothing but complete respect for Bellew. He's a former 175 pounder, not big at cruiserweight, and he moved up to heavyweight to face what most people thought - me included - was a total hiding to nothing. Yes, he did it for money - he is a professional fighter - but it takes balls to do what he did. Can't believe all the grief he gets. At the end of the day, we're sat at a device being wise after the event, from the safety of our homes. Bellew got into the ring and went through hell before winning an amazing fight. Threads like this will be why a lot of professional fighters will think internet forums are full of xxxxholes. Don't mean to cause offence to fellow fans but that's my view.

100% agree

X2

[ejruane]

I have nothing but complete respect for Bellew. He's a former 175 pounder, not big at cruiserweight, and he moved up to heavyweight to face what most people thought - me included - was a total hiding to nothing. Yes, he did it for money - he is a professional fighter - but it takes balls to do what he did. Can't believe all the grief he gets. At the end of the day, we're sat at a device being wise after the event, from the safety of our homes. Bellew got into the ring and went through hell before winning an amazing fight. Threads like this will be why a lot of professional fighters will think internet forums are full of xxxxholes. Don't mean to cause offence to fellow fans but that's my view.

Agree completely.

Bellew certainly has his limitations, but for me, this makes his achievements all the more admirable.

He is a great example of what belief and hard work can achieve.

Not everyone can be Mayweather but you can sell yourself as though you are and Bomber does.

As for him 'sounding stupid when he talks', consider this.

Bellew and Cleverly fought twice, both were close fights so not much between the two lads in terms of actual ability.

Yet it is Bellew who is in the big fights, Bellew who is making the millions, Bellew who has the profile, Bellew who is invited on every chat show.

And why?

Because when he talks, he sells a fight, he sells himself, he makes some fume with anger, makes some laugh, makes people talk, debate, argue and most importantly, when he talks, he sells tickets.

He's a promoter's dream.

Boxing is a dangerous career so maximising your earnings is essential, anyone who think Bellew 'sounds stupid' should compare his earnings and profile with Cleverley's.

He's a working class lad from a working class city, it would be odd if he expressed himself like Stephen Fry (nb: Eubanks Sr tries to and most call him a twat for it)

[SAPFO]

What's the stuff I here people in Liverpool don't like him? Obviously going to be reds ain't they?

Nope my bro is a blue and a few of my mates are blue and they cant stand him

Can I ask why?

[dirk2686]

Bellew winning was the worst thing to happen to boxing in Britain in a long time. Now it will justify all the mismatches, all the Khan-Canelos, all the Brook-Golovkin. Not only did this mismatch sell big, but the underdog actually "won". He won by Haye being both shot and his foot falling off mid fight, but the casuals have seen a blood and guts war, bravery and courage. Next, AJ will probably beat a shot 42 year old man and be proclaimed Muhammad Ali. And after that, who's going to challenge him? Wilder's got his pathetic mandatory with stiverne and his #beef with Brezeale. Meanwhile, down at cruiserweight, where the good fights are, actually probably the most exciting division in boxing, nobody gives a eff.

I'm pleased for Bellew as a bloke. Well done. I'm pleased for Haye, too. They both got paid.

But as a boxing fan, as they say on NBP, I'm pure raging. That fight was effing terrible, and things are only going to get worse off the back of it. I'm done. With Kovalev losing to that shithouse Andre Ward, Degale basically taking a hiding (draw or no draw), GGG never having a competitive fight, Canelo being quite content to be Golden Boy's meal ticket... I couldn't even be bothered with Garcia Thurman. I really like Thurman and hated Garcia so I should have been happy, but I just don't care.

Tony Bellew is not stupid. He's probably the most accomplished active British fighter. Just that fact alone tells you where boxing is at. The sport is fucked.

Not sure if I follow the train of thought here. You seem angry because the Haye Bellew fight will be used to justify mismatches, (albeit, these have always happened and upsets happen all the time in boxing), but conclude by saying you didn't care about Garcia Thurman, a fight which was obviously competitive and evenly matched. I don't really see what either has to do with each other.

Joshua Wlad is hardly a mismatch either in fairness. Loads of people are picking Wlad to win and he's only a marginal outsider in reality.

[BitPlayer]

Bellew winning was the worst thing to happen to boxing in Britain in a long time. Now it will justify all the mismatches, all the Khan-Canelos, all the Brook-Golovkin. Not only did this mismatch sell big, but the underdog actually "won". He won by Haye being both shot and his foot falling off mid fight, but the casuals have seen a blood and guts war, bravery and courage. Next, AJ will probably beat a shot 42 year old man and be proclaimed Muhammad Ali. And after that, who's going to challenge him? Wilder's got his pathetic mandatory with stiverne and his #beef with Brezeale. Meanwhile, down at cruiserweight, where the good fights are, actually probably the most exciting division in boxing, nobody gives a eff.

I'm pleased for Bellew as a bloke. Well done. I'm pleased for Haye, too. They both got paid.

But as a boxing fan, as they say on NBP, I'm pure raging. That fight was effing terrible, and things are only going to get worse off the back of it. I'm done. With Kovalev losing to that shithouse Andre Ward, Degale basically taking a hiding (draw or no draw), GGG never having a competitive fight, Canelo being quite content to be Golden Boy's meal ticket... I couldn't even be bothered with Garcia Thurman. I really like Thurman and hated Garcia so I should have been happy, but I just don't care.

Tony Bellew is not stupid. He's probably the most accomplished active British fighter. Just that fact alone tells you where boxing is at. The sport is fucked.

Not sure if I follow the train of thought here. You seem angry because the Haye Bellew fight will be used to justify mismatches, (albeit, these have always happened and upsets happen all the time in boxing), but conclude by saying you didn't care about Garcia Thurman, a fight which was obviously competitive and evenly matched. I don't really see what either has to do with each other.

Joshua Wlad is hardly a mismatch either in fairness. Loads of people are picking Wlad to win and he's only a marginal outsider in reality.

There's a good chance it'll be a blowout either way, so there's likely going to be a lot of smugness here after it.

[Cyclops]

Bellew winning was the worst thing to happen to boxing in Britain in a long time. Now it will justify all the mismatches, all the Khan-Canelos, all the Brook-Golovkin. Not only did this mismatch sell big, but the underdog actually "won". He won by Haye being both shot and his foot falling off mid fight, but the casuals have seen a blood and guts war, bravery and courage. Next, AJ will probably beat a shot 42 year old man and be proclaimed Muhammad Ali. And after that, who's going to challenge him? Wilder's got his pathetic mandatory with stiverne and his #beef with Brezeale. Meanwhile, down at cruiserweight, where the good fights are, actually probably the most exciting division in boxing, nobody gives a eff.

I'm pleased for Bellew as a bloke. Well done. I'm pleased for Haye, too. They both got paid.

But as a boxing fan, as they say on NBP, I'm pure raging. That fight was effing terrible, and things are only going to get worse off the back of it. I'm done. With Kovalev losing to that shithouse Andre Ward, Degale basically taking a hiding (draw or no draw), GGG never having a competitive fight, Canelo being quite content to be Golden Boy's meal ticket... I couldn't even be bothered with Garcia Thurman. I really like Thurman and hated Garcia so I should have been happy, but I just don't care.

Tony Bellew is not stupid. He's probably the most accomplished active British fighter. Just that fact alone tells you where boxing is at. The sport is fucked.

Not sure if I follow the train of thought here. You seem angry because the Haye Bellew fight will be used to justify mismatches, (albeit, these have always happened and upsets happen all the time in boxing), but conclude by saying you didn't care about Garcia Thurman, a fight which was obviously competitive and evenly matched. I don't really see what either has to do with each other.

Joshua Wlad is hardly a mismatch either in fairness. Loads of people are picking Wlad to win and he's only a marginal outsider in reality.

I'm just expressing a general disillusionment with the sport. I should have been excited by Thurman Garcia but after watching the Haye Bellew debacle I decided i was sick of boxing and there isn't much I can get up for at the moment.

You know, then a fight like Whyte-Chisora happens and everything changes.

Edit: and Haye/Bellew and Thurman/Garcia were on the same night. I should have stayed up through and watched them both but I couldn't stomach any more of the sport.

[Tarkus]

Bellew winning was the worst thing to happen to boxing in Britain in a long time. Now it will justify all the mismatches, all the Khan-Canelos, all the Brook-Golovkin. Not only did this mismatch sell big, but the underdog actually "won". He won by Haye being both shot and his foot falling off mid fight, but the casuals have seen a blood and guts war, bravery and courage. Next, AJ will probably beat a shot 42 year old man and be proclaimed Muhammad Ali. And after that, who's going to challenge him? Wilder's got his pathetic mandatory with stiverne and his #beef with Brezeale. Meanwhile, down at cruiserweight, where the good fights are, actually probably the most exciting division in boxing, nobody gives a eff.

I'm pleased for Bellew as a bloke. Well done. I'm pleased for Haye, too. They both got paid.

But as a boxing fan, as they say on NBP, I'm pure raging. That fight was effing terrible, and things are only going to get worse off the back of it. I'm done. With Kovalev losing to that shithouse Andre Ward, Degale basically taking a hiding (draw or no draw), GGG never having a competitive fight, Canelo being quite content to be Golden Boy's meal ticket... I couldn't even be bothered with Garcia Thurman. I really like Thurman and hated Garcia so I should have been happy, but I just don't care.

Tony Bellew is not stupid. He's probably the most accomplished active British fighter. Just that fact alone tells you where boxing is at. The sport is fucked.

100%

Either it is mismatches, ducking or ridiculous decisions. Bellew against any HW should be on WWE. It has nothing to do with boxing.

[Syntax Error]

Bellew winning was the worst thing to happen to boxing in Britain in a long time. Now it will justify all the mismatches, all the Khan-Canelos, all the Brook-Golovkin. Not only did this mismatch sell big, but the underdog actually "won". He won by Haye being both shot and his foot falling off mid fight, but the casuals have seen a blood and guts war, bravery and courage. Next, AJ will probably beat a shot 42 year old man and be proclaimed Muhammad Ali. And after that, who's going to challenge him? Wilder's got his pathetic mandatory with stiverne and his #beef with Brezeale. Meanwhile, down at cruiserweight, where the good fights are, actually probably the most exciting division in boxing, nobody gives a eff.

I'm pleased for Bellew as a bloke. Well done. I'm pleased for Haye, too. They both got paid.

But as a boxing fan, as they say on NBP, I'm pure raging. That fight was effing terrible, and things are only going to get worse off the back of it. I'm done. With Kovalev losing to that shithouse Andre Ward, Degale basically taking a hiding (draw or no draw), GGG never having a competitive fight, Canelo being quite content to be Golden Boy's meal ticket... I couldn't even be bothered with Garcia Thurman. I really like Thurman and hated Garcia so I should have been happy, but I just don't care.

Tony Bellew is not stupid. He's probably the most accomplished active British fighter. Just that fact alone tells you where boxing is at. The sport is fucked.

Can't argue with a word of this.

Just sums up everything perfectly.

[lillywhite14]

I stayed up and watched Thurman v Garcia to rid myself of the silliness that was Haye-Bellew!
It worked too

The only unfair but of that was watching two elite boxers, who made Haye & Bellew look like pub brawlers, earn less money!

Was like watching a league one match followed by a champions league semi final in terms of quality.

[Syntax Error]

I stayed up and watched Thurman v Garcia to rid myself of the silliness that was Haye-Bellew!
It worked too

The only unfair but of that was watching two elite boxers, who made Haye & Bellew look like pub brawlers, earn less money!

Was like watching a league one match followed by a champions league semi final in terms of quality.

Spot on.

This is pure coincidence, but it's another Haye farce.

The same night that Haye slaughtered the pathetically timid Parcel Force Harrison in a PPV mismatch, the best p4p boxer in the world (Manny Pacquiao) was on Sky Sports later that night fighting Margarito & he too would have got paid less than Haye & probably less than the chump that was Parcel Force Harrison got paid for throwing THREE jabs & landing ONE!

[JimJim2009]

To those who find the Bellew victory sickening; would it not have been sickening if, as expected, Haye had got in there and flattened Bellew in a round or two ? That is what he thought he'd do, and pick up several million for possibly (as was perceived) an outing no more demanding than his two fights last year. Had he won as expected, Sky would have gone into overdrive about Haye vs Joshua. To me, that would have been sickening.

Instead, we got a tremendous underdog coming out on top. Exciting, dramatic and refreshing, and for good measure, the greedy one thinking he was having an easy night, got beat and shown up.

You cannot blame Bellew for maximising the victory, the guy is doing it to secure his family's future. Good on him.

[lillywhite14]

That's the beauty and annoyance of being a so called hardcore fan as opposed to a so called casual.

Monday swings around and you want to discuss Thurman/Garcia yet you are met with 'who?, mate that Bellew fight was sick'

It's frustrating. Pound for pound, Thurman would stand both Haye and Bellew on their head, one straight after the other. In fact, I'd actually back him to beat them both, based on current weight divisions!

I will reiterate that I am pleased as punch to hear of any boxer earning big money. It's just a shame the truly elite level talents sometimes don't earn as much as guys who can't lace their gloves because they don't chat enough bollocks in order to attract the larger audience ( sheep? )

[lillywhite14]

To those who find the Bellew victory sickening; would it not have been sickening if, as expected, Haye had got in there and flattened Bellew in a round or two ? That is what he thought he'd do, and pick up several million for possibly (as was perceived) an outing no more demanding than his two fights last year. Had he won as expected, Sky would have gone into overdrive about Haye vs Joshua. To me, that would have been sickening.

Instead, we got a tremendous underdog coming out on top. Exciting, dramatic and refreshing, and for good measure, the greedy one thinking he was having an easy night, got beat and shown up.

You cannot blame Bellew for maximising the victory, the guy is doing it to secure his family's future. Good on him.

You make decent points then chat about Haye getting beat up and shown up...

I suspect Haye will be embarrassed to have a loss on his record to Bellew. So he should be.

Thing is, those who watched it know, or they should know, that it's not quite the case. The injury made all the difference. Chris Byrd holds a win over Vitali Klitschko. That means just as much.

Nobody got beat up at all!

For me, the result or the fight itself means little. The worst thing about the fight is that it was actually mooted in the first place and that it took place. Chuck in genuine world class talents like Thurman and Garcia fighting the same night for less money makes the whole thing sickening.

Joke of a fight from the off and the rematch will be ten times worse. Dillon a Whyte called it about right.

[JimJim2009]

To those who find the Bellew victory sickening; would it not have been sickening if, as expected, Haye had got in there and flattened Bellew in a round or two ? That is what he thought he'd do, and pick up several million for possibly (as was perceived) an outing no more demanding than his two fights last year. Had he won as expected, Sky would have gone into overdrive about Haye vs Joshua. To me, that would have been sickening.

Instead, we got a tremendous underdog coming out on top. Exciting, dramatic and refreshing, and for good measure, the greedy one thinking he was having an easy night, got beat and shown up.

You cannot blame Bellew for maximising the victory, the guy is doing it to secure his family's future. Good on him.

You make decent points then chat about Haye getting beat up and shown up...

I suspect Haye will be embarrassed to have a loss on his record to Bellew. So he should be.

Thing is, those who watched it know, or they should know, that it's not quite the case. The injury made all the difference. Chris Byrd holds a win over Vitali Klitschko. That means just as much.

Nobody got beat up at all!

For me, the result or the fight itself means little. The worst thing about the fight is that it was actually mooted in the first place and that it took place. Chuck in genuine world class talents like Thurman and Garcia fighting the same night for less money makes the whole thing sickening.

Joke of a fight from the off and the rematch will be ten times worse. Dillon a Whyte called it about right.

Its an interesting debate and I like seeing opposing views, out of interest and I'm not being sarcastic but what outcome of Haye/Bellew would you have approved of ?

[lillywhite14]

I was against it from the start Jim.

In my mind, Bellew has no business at heavyweight and Haye doesn't really have any business back in the sport ( he came back purely for the dough, Imknow who dealt with his fairly recent remortgage and they were privy to his financial situation ) Certainly not on the biggest stage. I thought it was simply a big money making excercise from the off. Fair play to them both, they got what they wanted and as I say, I like seeing fighters earn big money, but it was nothing like a PPV fight or even a fight worth discussing at the highest level of the sport. Borderline freak show

[JimJim2009]

I was against it from the start Jim.

In my mind, Bellew has no business at heavyweight and Haye doesn't really have any business back in the sport ( he came back purely for the dough, Imknow who dealt with his fairly recent remortgage and they were privy to his financial situation ) Certainly not on the biggest stage. I thought it was simply a big money making excercise from the off. Fair play to them both, they got what they wanted and as I say, I like seeing fighters earn big money, but it was nothing like a PPV fight or even a fight worth discussing at the highest level of the sport. Borderline freak show

Yes I was against it from the start too actually, I thought it was going to be daylight robbery and all over in one or two rounds. Hearn got off lightly, he could easily have had a fiasco on his hands.

I think with Sky PPVs the ends justifies the means, it was a success for all concerned, so they'll carry on. I don't think the card was remotely strong enough and I think Eddie is lucky the main event turned the way it did.

Good swapping views with you on this

[handsofstone]

Cant fault or criticise Bellew for what he done, he has a massive set of stones, maybe the biggest in the country but the bit I find most hypocritical is that he's blasted Haye for not taking training seriously, I seen him getting interviewed by John Bishop the other day and he got a big round of applause for saying bodybuilder type bodies don't win fights but hard work and dedication do, then on Soccer AM he's admitting eating too many Nandos

[rhino222]

put bellew in with briggs in september this year, winner fights haye in december

#letsgochamp

[ILikeBeer]

I don't really see the problem with what Bellew is doing, personally.

He won a fight few people predicted that he would. He's now striking while the iron is hot, and trying to maximise his publicity from it. Even if he doesn't fight Haye next, he'll want to command big figures, and this sort is keeping his publicity high after a big fight. It's not even like anything in the original post is that boast worthy.

What's he supposed to do? Refuse to take interviews? Go on TV telling everybody that he thought his win was a fluke?