Tony Bellew’s Next Opponent:

Tony Bellew’s Next Opponent:

By Steven Redgrave

After his recent 5th round victory over David Haye in their heavily hyped rematch, Tony Bellew is meticulously deciding who his next fight should be against.

Bellew has already stated that it needs to be a fight that interests him mentally as well as attracting the interest of the public. From what he’s been saying there are 3 possibilities, Fury, Ward or the Gassiev vs Usuyk winner. Each have positives and negatives but in my opinion only 1 makes sense.

Bellew vs Fury:

Positives:

• 2 fighters that can certainly get into each others head’s.
• Fury has a huge following so public interest will be high.
• Type of challenge that Bellew will be up for mentally.
• Tough challenge for Fury whilst on his comeback trail.
• Would make a fantastic last victory for Bellew.
• No shame in losing to Fury in a tough fight.
• Could sell out a 40,000-50,000 seater stadium.
• Potential to be a very entertaining fight.

Negatives:

• Easy for victory for Fury will be what Bellew is remembered for.
• Risk of inappropriate build up.
• Fury could mentally beat Bellew before getting in the ring.

Bellew vs Ward:-

Positives:

• Tough test against one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world.
• Good name to have on his record.
• Interesting to see if Bellew could break down Ward mentally.
• Would be the sort of test Bellew that would interest him mentally.

Negatives:

• Would probably have to fight in America, therefore potentially limiting British audiences.
• Ward has been retired for a while so victory for Bellew could be portrayed as a negative.
• Not the biggest selling ticket fight.
• Possibility of not enough “casual” fans being interested.
• Loss to a previously retired fighter could damage reputation recently built up.

Bellew vs Gassiev/Usuyk winner:

Positives:

• Chance to be undisputed cruiserweight champion.
• Would no doubt be a tough competitive fight.
• Decent interest due to WBSS.

Negatives:

• Possibly not enough of a challenge for Bellew to be fully focused and committed.
• Either opponent not as well known as Ward or Fury.
• Potential injury to either opponent delays the potential fight.
• Both tough opponents, loss after beating Haye may not be perceived well.

Personally I would like to see Bellew vs Fury in September. It’s the fight with the most positives and ticks many more boxes than the other possible fights.