Tony Bellew is a retired English professional boxer who had a noteworthy career spanning from 2007 to 2018. After his retirement, he became a prominent boxing analyst and commentator. Holding the WBC cruiserweight title from 2016 to 2017, he made a significant challenge for the undisputed cruiserweight championship in 2018. His achievements include securing the British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles from 2010 to 2014, the European cruiserweight title from 2015 to 2016, and earning the title of a three-time ABA heavyweight champion during his amateur career. Beyond the ring, he showcased his talent as an actor by portraying the antagonist boxer Ricky Conlan in the films Creed and Creed III. He was a contestant in the 23rd series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, where he finished as runner-up in 2023.
Early Life
Tony Bellew, aged 41, was born on November 30, 1982. His birth name is Anthony Lewis Bellew. He hails from Liverpool, England. Possessing British nationality, his ethnicity is multiracial, reflecting his part-African heritage from his mother's side and English descent from his father's side. In terms of family, he is the son of his mother, Gail Bellew, and his father, who owned a security firm in Liverpool. Additionally, he has a younger brother named Liam Bellew.
Career
- Tony Bellew, fighting out of Liverpool's Rotunda ABC, secured the 2002 and 2003 novice ABA titles by knockout, except for a three-round bout against Rob Hough.
- Transitioning to the Senior championships, he dominated the 91 kg heavyweight class, accumulating additional titles. However, in 2006, he faced defeat against Danny Price.
- He began his professional boxing career on October 6, 2007, with a second-round TKO against Jamie Ambler.
- He went on a winning streak in 2007 and 2008, defeating opponents like Adam Wilcox and Wayne Brooks.
- In 2010, he became the Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion, successfully defending it twice.
- Bellew then faced Nathan Cleverly for the WBO light-heavyweight title in 2011 but lost via majority decision.
- Moving to cruiserweight in 2014, he won the WBO International title and later secured the European cruiserweight title in 2015.
- He became the WBC cruiserweight champion in 2016 by defeating Ilunga Makabu.
- He successfully defended his title against BJ Flores and called out David Haye, setting the stage for a high-profile bout in the future.
- In November 2016, he faced David Haye in a heavyweight clash at The O2 Arena, securing a TKO victory in the 11th round after Haye suffered an ankle injury.
- The rematch took place on May 5, 2018, with Bellew knocking Haye down three times and winning via TKO in the fifth round.
- After the Haye bouts, he returned to cruiserweight for a final fight against undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk on November 10, 2018, at Manchester Arena.
- Despite a competitive start, he was stopped in the eighth round, ending his career with a record of 30 wins and 3 losses.
- Post-fight, he announced his retirement from boxing, acknowledging Usyk's skills and reflecting on his 20-year career.
- After announcing his retirement in the ring following his defeat to Usyk, he concluded his boxing career with a record of 30 wins in 34 professional bouts, 20 of which were by knockout. He experienced three losses, all against reigning world champions, and had one draw.
- During the post-fight press conference, he expressed his desire for a normal life, stating that he only adopted the name Tony Bellew to make his father proud.
- He emphasized that he wanted to return to being known as Anthony and declared that "Tony Bellew died on Saturday, Anthony Bellew comes back alive."
- Citing the toll on his body, he confirmed his retirement via social media on November 22, 2018.
- Bellew's professional boxing record includes 34 fights, with 30 wins (20 by knockout, 10 by decision), 3 losses, and 1 draw.
- In subsequent years, he engaged in different ventures, including participating in the show SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2020 and joining the UK commentary team for DAZN's boxing coverage in 2021.
- In 2023, he became a contestant on the 23rd series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, ultimately finishing as the runner-up. Sam Thompson was crowned 'King of the Jungle' after being voted the winner of this year's I'm A Celebrity.
Personal Life
Tony Bellew is happily married to his beautiful wife, Rachael Roberts, since their wedding on July 7, 2018, at the picturesque Peckforton Castle in Cheshire. Their love story traces back to October 2001, when Tony began dating Rachael, a childhood friend he had known since she was 9 years old. The couple has been blessed with four sons, including Corey Bellew, Cobey Bellew, and Carter Bellew. Currently, the duo is enjoying their present life a lot.
Net Worth
Tony Bellew, the retired professional boxer, has transitioned into a successful career as a boxing analyst and commentator since concluding his active boxing career in 2018. With an impressive net worth of around £9.6 million as of 2023, he amassed his wealth through his lucrative boxing career. Notable earnings include £2.8 million from his first bout with David Haye, £2.5 million from their rematch, and a substantial £4 million from his highest-paid fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
Additionally, he generated his income by participating in the show "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" for which he received between £30,000 and £100,000. Currently enjoying a lavish lifestyle, Bellew continues to earn a substantial annual salary from his work in the professional boxing industry.
Body Measurements
Tony Bellew, the charismatic former boxer, possesses an athletic build with a height of 6 feet 3 inches (190.5 cm) and a weight of 87 kg (192 lbs). His distinctive features include a toned physique, side-cropped dark brown hair, and light brown eyes that complement his affable smile. Adding to his distinctive appearance, Bellew often sports a thick beard, enhancing his overall rugged yet handsome aesthetic. He has got a healthy body as of now and he is very conscious about his food intake.
