Tony Bellew: Age, Fiery Wife And Last Fight
Tony Bellew or Anthony Bellew, more fondly known as Bomber by his fans is a retired British professional boxer. In his boxing career from 2007 to 2018, he has held many titles and is regarded as the best among the best.
However, equally interesting as his eventful career is Tony Bellew’s age, fiery wife and last fight. All about those and more coming up!
Tony Bellew’s Championships And Titles
Image Source/ AD.nl
In the 11 consequential and electrifying years he was in action, Tony Bellew held the WBC cruiserweight title from 2016 to 2017. Quite remarkably, in his final fight, he challenged for the undisputed cruiserweight championship.
From 2010 to 2014, he held the British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles. He also held the European cruiserweight title from 2015 to 2016.
Apart from that, he is also a three-time ABA heavyweight champion as an amateur.
From An Amateur To A Professional Boxer
Image Source/World Boxing Association
Starting out from Rotunda ABC in Liverpool, Tony made his tumultuous entry by winning the novice ABA titles in 2002 and 2003. Following the subsequent wins, he moved on to the Senior championships and then on to his professional boxing debut in October 2007.
Renowned for knocking down Jamie Ambler, Adam Wilcox, Paul Bonson, Ayitey Powers, Hastings Rasani and many others, Tony went on to challenge for the vacant Commonwealth title at light heavyweight and beat Atoli Moore at Echo Arena, Liverpool.
He had also made an attempt at the WBO light heavyweight title in the match against Nathan Cleverly. Alas, he failed only to have his revenge in the cruiserweights.
Image Source/ The Independent
Moving on to the heavyweight, he faced David Haye in a controversial fight. Leading to the fight, both the boxers exchanged some abominable comments that kept the audience hooked and built a sense of anticipation towards the day of the fight.
After a second match with David Haye (Tony won both the matches!), there were talks of Tony getting it done and dusted for good.
Is Tony Bellew’s Wife Fierce And Is He Afraid Of Her?
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Being one of the most celebrated British boxers (thirty wins, mind you!), Tony Bellew is probably not afraid of anyone except the love of his life, Rachael Roberts!
A no-nonsense attitude with a clear mind on what she wants, Racheal Roberts is indeed a strong and brazen lady many would be ‘afraid’ of! This explains why Tony acquiesced to her demand that he retire from boxing.
Going back to when they started dating, Tony and Rachael has a unique ‘how we met’ story.
Ostensibly, they know each other since they were nine, but Tony started having the hots for her when he was 18.
Rachael’s Impeccable High Standards…
Image Source/The Sun
Believe it or not, Tony approached Racheal, only to be rejected not once but THRICE!
“I tried to chat with her but got rejected. A week later I was out with friends, saw her, and tried again, only to get another ‘no’. Weeks later I tried again, telling her I only wanted to take her to the pictures, and she said ‘no’ but went away and did some research on me.”
According to Tony,
“I will say one thing. I fear no man, I don’t give a f*** about any man on this planet, I would fight any man, I tell you what though, I don’t go home to her with a penny short.
“She’s my toughest fight. I said this fight would be my last one. That’s a real fight, persuading her if I can carry on.”
Incessant Worries About His Injuries
Image Source/The Sun
Needless to say, being a boxer’s wife, Racheal was worried about whether his body can take more blows and punches, resulting in the talks of him hanging up the gloves for good.
Interestingly, it was not only Rachael who was worried about him getting injured. Tony himself had such worries and his revelation was the bitter truth of boxers’ lives in and out of the ring.
Sourly admitting that his body would not be able to take any more intense training that is required in the world of boxing, Tony made it clear that while the fights are manageable, the trainings are definitely not.
Now that Tony has retired, the couple has a lifetime of lazy Sundays to look forward to with their three kids Corey, Cobey, and Carter.
A Family Man Through And Through
Image Source/The Sun
Despite having made it to the riches, Tony and Racheal are among the few couples who are pretty grounded and are unfalteringly stalwart to lead a simple life.
Stemming from the hard life they have led before Tony achieved his stardom, Tony had made it very clear that he is not one to hunt for glory and glamour.
“I am just a normal bloke who likes having a fight, I am nothing special, I do not see myself that way.”
From Earning £350 A Week To A Staggering Net Worth
Tony Bellew has come a long way since he first started boxing. With a mere £350 a week to £12 million net worth in 2019, Tony is an example of boxers who made it through grit, dedication and hard work.
Image Source/ Daily Post
In his early years, he had to work multiple jobs to make things work. Reportedly, he had worked as a labourer and a lifeguard as well as doing shifts in security, retail and pillow factory.
Ultimately, tables have turned and Tony is now a long way from doing shits as a security. In fact, he is financially secure to retire early.
Right before his last fight, he told that,
“It really isn’t the money. My life is full. We’ve got things in place, me and my wife. We’ve got a great business and a great property portfolio.”
This explains why Racheal was more than happy in nudging him towards retirement. Financially, they were as sturdy as an oak.
The Return Of The Fighter…
Image Source/ Evening Standard
However, like a true fighter that he is, Tony returned to the cruiserweight ring for one last time when Oleksandr Usyk called out his name.
“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?’
As expected, Tony said yes and met him in the ring!
But Before That, Tony Had To Convince His Wife To Fight Against Usyk
During their honeymoon in Mykonos, Greece, Tony watched World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight final between Usyk and Murat Gassiev. He knew that he wanted to face Usyk.
Imagine his surprise when quite coincidentally, Usyk has also called Tony out. Realising that he had a herculean task of cajoling his wife, Tony delivered this speech:
Image Source/The Sun
“I’ve been studying this game since I was 10 or 11 years old, I’ve had dreams of being world champion, I’ve seen amazing fights, legends and icons in the game.”
He likened his desire to win the world title to the likes of Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, “Sugar” Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Marvin Hagler, and Floyd Mayweather.
“It’s just this guy is standing there with all four belts and he’s saying my name. There’s no way in a million years can I pass it up.”
Evidently, it worked like a charm and led to…
Tony’s Last Fight With Oleksandr Usyk
Image Source/BBC
After convincing his wife Rachael Roberts, Anthony’s set out to his last fight which was the highly anticipated Tony-Usyk fight on November 10 at Manchester Arena.
Although he might have entered the ring with hopes of surmounting the mightiest of mountains, he failed to do so.
Unfortunately, Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tony Bellew in an eighth-round knockout win.
At long last, after thirty wins, three losses, and one draw, Tony Bellew retired from professional boxing.
Eddie Hearn’s Reaction After His Lost
Image Source/The Mirror
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has mentioned that Tony is ‘one of the best men you will ever meet’. Both emotional and in awe of the match, he said:
“I just never expected Bellew to be in a fight as high level as that, as skilful as that, as elite as that. I know he was tired and the wright affected him.
“And Tony gambled with the right hand and got caught – but you saw the man. I don’t know how he even got up.
“I was at the side of the ring trying to take the gum shield out. Then to see him get to his feet and tell the ref he was fine to go on.
“Just the heart of the man – one of the best men you will ever meet.”
His Support For Other Boxers Are Endearing…
Anthony Bellew takes more space in the hearts of his fans through the heartful support he gives to his fellow boxing mates. His Twitter account is always brimming with his positivity, support and encouragement!
His words about Deontay Wilder after he won against Luis Ortiz for the WBC heavyweight belt:
Say what you want about Deontay Wilder and his boxing ability! It doesn’t matter he has dynamite in his right hand! He was completely out of that fight and lost every single round but it doesn’t matter cos he is ALWAYS in it and DANGEROUS as long as he’s standing!! #OneShot
— Anthony Bellew (@TonyBellew) November 24, 2019
Some of this other tweets supporting fellow sportsmen are:
John Ryder put in a great performance tonight and I take nothing away from him! He done better than anyone expected! HOWEVER this does not mean you have won the fight! I had it 7 rounds to 5 in Callum’s favour! Really good fight but the right man won imo! 👊
— Anthony Bellew (@TonyBellew) November 24, 2019
You done great mate and showed improvement! You would of gone hell for leather after round 9 a while back but you didn’t you just continued with what was working! A mature and dominant display! Well done champ!! 👏 https://t.co/RQAzeXHjtd
— Anthony Bellew (@TonyBellew) November 24, 2019
He Is Slightly Obsessed With Football!
His infatuation with football came into limelight a while ago when he messaged Everton’s Jamie Carragher to show his support to Everton in its match against Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola.
Evidently, he is a fan and follower of all things Everton!
Great article about a GREAT team!! Click the link and give yourself the chance to be at the screening.. 🙌💙🙌 COYB https://t.co/dK3mun8jK4
— Anthony Bellew (@TonyBellew) November 6, 2019
