Tony Bellew

Anthony "Tony" Bellew is an English professional boxer and actor. He is the current EBU and former WBO International Cruiserweight champion, as well as a former Commonwealth, British and WBC Silver Light heavyweight champion. He is also a two-time world title challenger. As an amateur, Bellew is a three-time former ABA heavyweight champion. Bellew made his acting debut by co-starring in the sports drama Creed, which was released in November 2015.

Amateur career

Fighting out of Liverpool's Rotunda ABC, Bellew claimed both the 2002 and 2003 novice ABA title's by knocking out every man he faced with the exception of Rob Hough who went the whole 3 rounds from Paramount ABC (Stockport) in the under 10 bouts championships. Then, when he was eligible for the Senior championships, he stepped up to the 91 kg heavyweight class and added even more titles to his collection. In 2006 he lost to Danny Price.

The three-time ABA heavyweight champion is hoping to emulate the feats of his home city's most famous fighter, John Conteh. Like Bellew, Conteh was an ABA champ, before winning British, Commonwealth, European and WBC titles at 175 pounds. And Conteh has even backed Bellew to match his achievements, revealing that he will be keeping a close eye on his career. "John is a big hero of mine, one of the best fighters to have come out of the UK, if not the best, and I'd love to go on and achieve what he did," said Bellew. "To be talked about in the same breath as him is pretty amazing. I've met him a few times and he's a great guy, although I'm not sure he knew who I was! Once I start winning titles, hopefully that will all change." Bellew, who fought out of the world famous Rotunda ABC as an amateur, did not start boxing until he was 17.