Can Tony Bellew Defy The Odds Again?

Can Tony Bellew Defy The Odds Again?

Trying to defy the odds and his critics is nothing new to Tony Bellew. But if Bellew does indeed meet Oleksandr Usyk later this year Bellew will face his ultimate test, an even bigger mountain to climb.

The early betting lines make the undisputed world cruiserweight champion a big betting favourite to retain his belts, and with good reason.

Usyk (15-0) looked every inch a future superstar in winning the final of the World Boxing Super Series against Murat Gassiev in Moscow.

In what was said to be a 50/50 fight turned into a one-sided affair as Usyk completely dominated the fight and was the easy winner by scores of 120-108, 119-109 and 119-109.

After the easier than expected win Usyk called out Bellew, and with the Liverpool fighter looking for his next dance partner, the scene was set for a future fight between the pair, with Eddie Hearn saying it could be as early as November.

Bellew (30-2-1) is coming off the back of the two wins over David Haye, defeats which sent Haye into a permanent retirement and propelled Bellew to new heights. Bellew deserves the plaudits but this wasn’t a prime Haye that he beat, in Usyk he will be meeting a fighter at his peak, maybe even one that will get better still.

Usyk when he makes the inevitable jump to heavyweight looks more than good enough to challenge the likes of Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder that is the size of the task that awaits Bellew.

Bellew knows what’s in store and says this will probably be his last fight, he told Sky Sports:

“I’ve got so much respect for him. I sparred with him in the amateurs and he was a master then. He is my worst nightmare, a tall, rangy southpaw, with skills to burn and fantastic footwork.

“But I can tell you now if I fight Oleksandr Usyk, it will be my last ever fight, because I will take some serious stick.”

Bellew talked about fighting the likes of Andre Ward and Tyson Fury in what would have been more lucrative options for him, Usyk is in many ways a far more difficult fight for Bellew.

He is much maligned but Bellew has achieved plenty and is a far better fighter than he is given credit for. But if he defies the odds again even his harshest critic will have to give him his due respect, the legacy he will leave will speak for itself.