Former world cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew needs no introduction to boxing fans.
A warrior in the ring and one of the sport’s most respected and straight-talking voices outside of it, Bellew sat down with us for an exclusive wide-ranging conversation covering the biggest names and fights in the game right now.
He gives his verdict on Tyson Fury’s hunger ahead of his comeback, dismisses the rumours swirling around Conor Benn’s fight with Regis Prograis, and shares his thoughts on the heavyweight division’s most exciting prospects.
Typically, he doesn’t hold back.
Q: Moses Itauma had a stunning win against Jermaine Franklin recently. He went further than usual and fair play to Franklin for lasting to the fifth round – but once again, Moses got the job done in style.
A: Yeah, you know what, I was speaking with my friend Chris Walker, the journalist at DAZN. We were thinking about how long it would go. I said three or four rounds – I knew he’d get rid of him, it was just about how quickly. The thing with Jermaine Franklin is he hasn’t really faced anyone who’s gone in there to take him out. Moses doesn’t go in just to win rounds – he goes in to finish people. That’s what he does. To be fair, there’s only one question left: what happens when he gets hit back? That’s what we need to see.
Q: He was talking about wanting to fight Filip Hrgović, but Dave Allen is taking that fight. Now he’s said the only way he’ll fight Fabio Wardley is for a shot at Usyk.
A: I don’t really understand why he wouldn’t consider Andy Ruiz – that’s a perfect fight. Ruiz would hit him, and he’s fast despite how he looks. That’s the kind of test he needs. But listen, I’m not his manager, and he’s being managed impeccably. Fair play to Fabio Wardley as well – he’s done a great job, and Francis has done really well with him. He’s still a prospect for me. I know people are getting excited, but I still think he’s a prospect. I think he’s exceptional and has world champion potential, but I’ve thought that before about fighters.
This is exactly how Daniel Dubois was talked about – like a machine, unstoppable. I remember asking people in the game, including David Haye, about Dubois, and they all said he was the real deal. I’m hearing the same things about Moses. I’m a fan of his, I really am. He’s got all the potential and ability in the world. But we still don’t know what happens when things get tough and someone hits him back. He’s very no-nonsense as well – no flashy personality, no gimmicks. Just straight business. And if you’re not going to talk much, you’ve got to back it up with performances – and he does.
Q: Did you see the rumours about Regis Prograis possibly pulling out of the Conor Benn fight? Could that have come from a disgruntled Matchroom employee? Even Eddie Hearn himself?
A: I saw them, but then I saw them denied pretty quickly. I don’t think Matchroom gain anything from spreading rumours like that. They’re too busy – they put on over 100 events a year. They don’t have time for that kind of thing. Sometimes things happen behind the scenes. There’s always a lot going on – contracts, negotiations, scheduling – it’s a busy business. I don’t think there’s anything in it.
At the end of the day, there aren’t two sides to a story – there’s just the truth. You know the truth when you put your head on the pillow at night. I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my career, but I’ve always tried to honour what I’ve said I’d do. That’s what matters – being able to hold your head up.
Q: Tyson Fury is back in action soon. Do you think he still has the hunger?
A: That’s a difficult one – only he knows the answer. But this fight will show us. His opponent will be in his face, asking questions, and if Fury doesn’t want to be there, it’ll show quickly. Technically, Fury is levels above, but if there are any doubts about his desire, they’ll come out in that fight.
Q: Speaking of fighters who struggle to walk away, Derek Chisora is fighting Deontay Wilder soon – his 50th fight.
A: He tells me this is it, the last one. I hope so. I don’t want to see him fighting anymore after this. He’s had a long career, and it’s time. That said, it’s a dangerous opponent. He still has that raw, one-punch power – you can never overlook that. Derek has to be smart: all the way in or all the way out. He can’t get caught in between.
Q: Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson seem to be circling each other. Do you think that fight gets made?
A: I hope so. It would be a travesty if it doesn’t. Tank is one of the most exciting fighters in the world – but we don’t see enough of him. He’s losing time in his prime. When he’s on it, he’s incredible. The way he’s beaten fighters like Leo Santa Cruz – it’s special. But Shakur Stevenson is exceptional too. His skillset – footwork, timing, counterpunching – is on another level. If you go to him, you lose. You’ve got to bring him to you and have the power to make him think twice. It’s a fascinating fight.
Ryan Garcia against Teofimo Lopez could be interesting too. It depends which version of Garcia shows up. He’s lost to fighters at a lower level than Lopez, so it’s hard to predict.
Lawrence Okolie vs Tony Yoka is another interesting one. Yoka is probably the better boxer technically, but Okolie has the power. If Okolie takes centre ring and imposes himself early, he can win. But if he lets Yoka dictate, he could lose on points. It’s a tough fight to call.
Q: Now, Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley – that’s a brilliant fight isn’t it?
A: Technically, I don’t think there’s much between them. Dubois fights one way, but Wardley has shown he can win in different ways. I think it might come down to heart.Wardley has been down before and come back. That counts for a lot. I can see him getting dropped early, but getting up and turning it around. I think Wardley stops Dubois in rounds six or seven. It’ll be a war.
Wardley prepares incredibly well. His team – Ben Davison and Lee Wylie – do a fantastic job analysing opponents and drilling tactics. That kind of preparation makes a huge difference. Fighters don’t always study opponents enough these days, but that attention to detail can win fights.
Q: Finally, Anthony Joshua – he’s back in the gym and looking hungry again. How good is it to see that after what he’s been through?
A: Yeah, he looks active. He’s working hard and looking for answers, possibly things he couldn’t figure out before. Training with Oleksandr Usyk is interesting – it shows he’s searching for improvement. Fair play to him for putting the work in. I’m sure we’ll see him back in the ring soon.
