Former world cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew announced his retirement from boxing on Friday, 12 days after his defeat by Ukranian Oleksandr Usyk.
“Today I am announcing that I am officially retired, there will be no more fighting from me,” – Bellew said. “The only thing you will see me doing from here on is trying to act sensible and behave myself.”
While announcing his retirement, Bellew said the greatest achievement in his career was his 2016 win over Ilunga Makabu at Goodison Park that saw him clinch the WBC cruiserweight title.
After defending his WBC title in 2017, Bellew stepped a division high to compete in the heavyweight division. He was successful at it, beating compatriot David Haye twice, in 2017 and in 2018. This year, the 35-year-old returned to the cruiserweight division only to lose in what may become his final match.
Bellew may not disappear from the boxing world completely. While speaking to reporters, the Liverpool native said a 100 million pound contract by boxing promoters will be enough to get him out of retirement.
“Eddie (Hearn) gets 100m together for me and offers me one more fight, what do I say? Wow, wow-that is probably what I would say,” Bellew said.
After starring in the 2015 film Creed, Bellew believes he could look up for other roles in that line.
