The game has changed, thanks to DAZN and Matchroom Boxing's huge UK deal that begins with Matchroom Fight Camp on July 31, August 7 and August 14.
Here is the lowdown on one of the faces of the new era, Tony Bellew.
Tony Bellew
- DOB : November 30, 1982
- Nationality : British
- Pro Career : 2007-2018
- Height : 6ft 3ins
- Titles won : British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight belts, European cruiserweight title, WBC cruiserweight title.
- Career Highlight: Rising off the canvas to become world champion at his beloved Goodison Park against Junior Makabu in 2016.
Bio
A proud Scouser who took to boxing to initially lose weight and please his father. Amateur career at Rotunda ABC brought three back-to-back ABA titles but domestic success wasn’t transferred to international stage as Bellew was often out of favour with national selectors.
Turned professional under Frank Warren in 2007 and quickly earned himself a reputation as a vocal fighter who was willing to back up his boasts. Raced to domestic honours but lost his first world title fight against bitter rival Nathan Cleverly in 2011.
Moved to Matchroom in 2012 and was placed on a specific career path that saw him defeat Edison Miranda and Isaac Chilemba en route to becoming WBC mandatory. Travelled to Canada in November 2013 but was stopped by Adonis Stevenson in six rounds.
Move to cruiserweight in 2014 changed Bellew’s career. With Dave Coldwell in his corner, Bellew moved up the 14st ratings and was able to bring Congolese dangerman, Junior Makabu to Liverpool in May 2016. Bellew stopped the African in three unforgettable rounds to become world champion.
Following on from his world title success, Bellew took part in a vicious series with David Haye that occasionally overspilled in the build-up. The two engaged in two fights and Bellew was victorious on each occasion. Tempted to walk away from the sport with all his goals secured, Bellew couldn’t resist one more challenge.
In November 2018, Bellew fought for the final time as he was stopped by the brilliant Oleksandr Usyk.
Away from the ring, Bellew has been the star of a Hollywood movie as he played Ricky Conlan in the Rocky spin off, Creed. Since walking away from the sport, Bellew has kept busy by managing a stable of fighters, providing insights on Sky Sports, and he was also a contestant on Channel 4’s celebrity SAS programme.