Fighting Talk with Tony 'Bomber' Bellew

B: Hi Tony. Thanks for agreeing to this interview.  I read that you began your boxing career at the famed Rotunda ABC For the sake of those thinking of starting to learn to box, what were those initial weeks at the Rotunda like?

TB: Training at Rotunda 10 years ago was a real eye opener to be honest. If you want to be successful in the am game then IMHO the place to be is Rotunda abc! It's not called "home of champions" for nothing mate ;-) I will add though, if you don't like being pushed to your limit then don't go! It's like the army 99.5% need not apply ;-)

B: What were your amateur career highlights?

TB: Winning that first ABA Heavyweight title in 2004 for me was it! I came from nowhere and only had 12 fights and they were all at 81kg so I moved up 10kg in 3 weeks and went on to beat all good boys and internationals and to beat the reigning champion in the final was the real icing on the cake! I dedicated it to my late coach Jimmy Albertina! Without him I'd have not won anything..

B: You moved down to light heavyweight. How difficult was that for you and is making weight one of the hardest aspects of match preparation?

TB: I live a clean life so making weight is not easy but it's not really an issue to be honest, as long as I have 6-8 weeks to prepare its never a problem

B: During your time as an amateur, you also trained as an accountant. That must come in useful?

TB: It helps with figures that's about it, I know what I'm worth and in this game you don't get what your worth you get what you negotiate to be honest.

B: You looked up to John Conteh as a boxer? What was it about him that you most admired?

TB: I admired John Conteh cos he was a great ambassador for boxing and also a very talented fighter! He had the lot! Power, skills, defence and of course the looks to match! Great fighter and a good man who I really admire and look up to..

B: Which other boxers have inspired you in your boxing career and style?

TB: Many have inspired me, Mayweather, Lennox, Hopkins, Jones Jr,  there is so many I could mention mate

B: What decided you to turn professional and how easy did you find the transfer?

TB: I basically won everything I did in the Am's with a pro style, I boxed in a relaxed manner and always picked my shots, it's a credit to Mick McAllister my coach in am and pro as to why I progressed as much as I did. Between my coaching team now of Mick McAllister and Mark Quinn  I'm learning everyday and not just relying on my power to knock everyone out, I mean my last 2 performances say it all IMO.

B: You became commonwealth champion in 2010. Do you prefer challenging for a title or defending it and why?

TB: I don't really mind, I'm a fighter so defending or winning is basically the same, I prepare like no one else and give it 110% everyday.

It was a dream come true to win the British title it really was

B: On 16^th July 2011, you won the vacant British belt with your victory over Orvil McKenzie. Can you put into words how this felt when you won?

TB: It was a dream come true to win the British title it really was. It was even more pleasing to win as easily as I did after I made such hard work of the first fight, I said it was a masterclass but that was heat of the moment stuff, I look back at it and just think " I should listen to my coaches all the time" lol.. Everyone said the rematch with McKenzie was a 50/50 fight but look what I did to him! He couldn't touch me.. I look at what he has achieved since too! He's doing well for himself now..

The Winning Moment

Click image to watch the Bellew vs McKenzie fight

B: On October 15^th 2011, you challenged Nathan Cleverly for the WBO light heavyweight championship of the world. That night you fought in such a way as to create a whole new wave of Bellew fans. A split decision gave the victory to Cleverly. Can you talk us through a fight that many think you actually won?

TB: I'm moving on with it now, I thought I done enough but hey I won't call it a robbery as it was very close! He knows it and I know it, I was a good fight but breaking my right hand in the second round was just too much to bear! I basically out-jabbed Him the whole fight, I just couldn't get that right hand to the head off!! I've learnt so much from that fight though, I don't think he's anything special, he couldn't burst an egg but he has a good engine an a good chin and that's basically it!

One of the most famous head to heads of the last 12 months: Cleverly & Bellew

Click on the image to watch the whole fight

B: Currently you are preparing for a fight with Danny McIntosh in an event billed as ‘The Big Bang’. How is training going for this?

TB: Training is going great and I'm currently sparring Kenny Anderson who is a good fighter and very strong capable guy, it'll be a cracker fight come April 14th it really will!

B: You seemed to have a great banter going on at the press so can the fans expect a friendly fight?     

...make no mistake Danny is getting hurt in this fight!! I will not stop and I shall not be moved!

TB: It's simple, Danny talks a fantastic fight! He sells himself well and after meeting him he's a guy you can't help but like! He's funny, charismatic and a good guy! However dont be fooled by him, he's a dangerous fighter and he knows he's drinking in the last chance saloon bar! Neither of us can afford to slip up here but make no mistake Danny is getting hurt in this fight!! I will not stop and I shall not be moved! I plan a "Cotto-esque" performance on April 14th

Click on the above image to learn more about 'The Big Bang' event

B: How do you mentally prepare for a fight? 

TB: I'm a naturally very strong metal person! I've been through too much in my life to not succeed at this game! I've had every type of job under the sun! From life guard to labourer to doorman to factory work! I don't wanna go back to them jobs! That's what makes me mentally strong, my background and history..

Eyes on the Prize

B: Can you outline a typical training day? 

TB: 5:30 run, followed by a boxing session at 11-2 followed by a strength & conditioning session at 3-4:30.. I eat 5-6 meals A day and all my nutritional products are supplied by CNP! Without their products I'd break down after 2 weeks as its so strenuous..

The track work I go through could give any man nightmares

B: What aspect of training do you least enjoy and why?

TB: I hate running! Always have and always will! I've massively improved since I went pro but I still hate it!! It's a must IMO though, the track work I go through could give any man nightmares lol..

B: What would you say are your greatest strengths as a boxer?

TB: My determination and my sheer will for perfection on everything I do! I'll never give in! NEVER!

B: What advice would you give to anyone thinking of starting boxing with regard to choosing a gym etc?

TB: Don't take up this sport if your not willing to give it 100% well that's if you want to compete at it, if you wanna lose weight or get fit then it's fantastic and gives you great discipline and motivation, I love boxing I really do! There is nothing better than watching a good 50/50 fight and seeing the skills/tactics really played out. It fascinates me.

B: Who has been your toughest opponent so far and why?

TB: Sam Sexton as an amateur! It was an out and out war from start to finish! I have a lot of respect for Sam, he's a good fighter and a top man..

I'd like the European champion after this fight, Eduard Gutchnekt is a good fighter but I'll gladly go to Germany!

B: So what would you like, career-wise in the coming year after McIntosh?

TB: I wanna do a good job on Danny and just move on, I won't mention the guy from Wales as I don't need him to move on with my career. I'd like the European champion after this fight, Eduard Gutchnekt is a good fighter but I'll gladly go to Germany!

B: Before signing off is there anything you would like to say to your fans reading this interview

TB: I'd like to say thank you to all the fans who pay to watch me and all my followers on twitter, I can't thank you all enough for the support you all show me! It's amazing and words can't describe it to be honest! I just can't wait for April 14th now! 

B: Thanks a million for this Tony. I really appreciate the time you have taken out of your busy schedule to do this interview. Good luck with your career both in and out of the ring.