When Tony Bellew walked to the ring for the final time on 10th November 2018, it didn’t end in a fairytale. Usyk knocked him out, the Z-Cars theme faded, and the curtain came down on one of the most emotionally charged careers in British boxing. But one loss doesn’t define a legacy — and Bellew’s is worth every word of a proper tribute.
Was Tony Bellew one of Britain’s greatest ever boxers? Maybe not in pure skill — but in heart, resilience, and entertainment? Absolutely.
Let’s take a look back at the highs, the heartbreaks, and the defining moments of “The Bomber.”
Early Career and Domestic Dominance
Bellew turned pro in October 2007 as a Cruiserweight, stopping Jamie Ambler in two rounds. He soon dropped to Light Heavyweight and racked up 11 straight wins before capturing his first title — the Commonwealth belt — with a stoppage win over Atoli Moore.
But it was his epic rivalry with Ovill McKenzie that really put him on the domestic map. Their first bout in 2010 saw Bellew down twice early before roaring back to stop McKenzie in the 8th. The rematch wasn’t as dramatic but proved Bellew’s dominance, as he added the British title with a wide points win.
Heartbreak at World Level
In 2011, Bellew came agonisingly close to becoming world champion when he lost a razor-thin split decision to Nathan Cleverly for the WBO title. It was his first professional defeat — and a bitter one.
Undeterred, Bellew climbed back up the ladder, picking up the WBC Silver and International titles. A controversial draw with Isaac Chilemba followed, but Bellew settled that score with a dominant win in the rematch.
Then came the step up — a world title shot in Canada against Adonis Stevenson, one of the most dangerous punchers of the era. Bellew was outclassed and stopped in six. Again, he went home empty-handed.
The Move to Cruiserweight — and Redemption
After the Stevenson loss, Bellew moved back up to Cruiserweight — a decision that changed everything.
Wins over Valery Brudov and Julio Cesar Dos Santos reignited his momentum. Then came the long-awaited rematch with Cleverly in 2014. Bellew edged it on points, levelling the score and proving once and for all he belonged at the top.
In 2015, he added the European title by defeating Mateusz Masternak — a close but deserved decision.
Then came his moment.
World Champion at Goodison Park
It was a scene straight out of a movie — literally. Bellew had starred in Creed, fighting at Goodison Park. Now he was doing it for real, chasing his world title dream in front of Everton fans.
On 29th April 2016, Bellew was floored early by Ilunga Makabu. But he roared back with a vicious third-round stoppage to become WBC Cruiserweight Champion of the World.
He defended the title just once, demolishing BJ Flores in three rounds. But it wasn’t his title defences that made headlines next…
The David Haye Rivalry
Bellew stunned the boxing world by calling out David Haye, stepping up to heavyweight in a move many saw as madness. But on 4th March 2017, Bellew shocked everyone again — stopping an injured Haye in the 11th after a wild, bad-blooded battle.
To silence critics who claimed Haye’s injury handed him the win, Bellew did it again — more convincingly — in the 2018 rematch, dropping Haye three times en route to a fifth-round stoppage.
Final Chapter: Oleksandr Usyk
Bellew promised he was done — until Usyk won the World Boxing Super Series and called him out.
So one last time, Bellew laced up the gloves, entering the Manchester Arena to his beloved Z-Cars theme. And for a few rounds, he looked sensational — outboxing the Ukrainian master.
But class told. In the 8th round, Usyk landed a perfect shot and knocked Bellew out cold.
The Bomber was done.
Final Thoughts: A Career Built on Heart
Tony Bellew retired with a record of 30-3-1, 20 KOs, and a CV full of drama, redemption, and fights fought for pride as much as glory. He may not have been the most talented Brit ever — but few had more grit, more heart, or more honest passion for the sport.
He brought fans on a journey — and that’s why many still call Tony Bellew one of Britain’s greatest ever.
What’s your favourite Bellew moment? Let me know in the comments below.
What a great tribute to a great boxer really good read keep up the great work all the best billy.