Tony Bellew is calling the shots now.
The British boxer upset the odds against David Haye at the O2 Arena on Saturday night in the biggest fight of his career, his first at heavyweight.
In the process, he secured the biggest payday of his life and secured the financial future of his family.
“I’ve achieved what I got in boxing for tonight,” the 34-year-old told reporters following the bout.
“I just made my three kids wealthy. If it was about me I could have quit after Goodison (when he beat Ilunga Makabu last May). I made my three kids wealthy.”
"He shook his head" https://t.co/cute7vpTaZ
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) March 5, 2017
Bellew said following his 11th round stoppage victory that he has entered the final year of his career. Rather than return to fight at cruiserweight, where he remains WBC world champion, the Liverpudlian said he aims to stay at heavyweight.
Haye, who suffered an injury to his Achilles in the sixth round, said in the ring after the fight that is open to a re-match.
It wasn't *just* David Haye that was injured last night… https://t.co/kqfN6quq6D
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) March 5, 2017
“I would love to do it again, I have never been in a fight like that,” the 36-year-old said.
“If the fans want to see it again I would do it again. We’ll do it on his terms, in his town – he deserves it.”
However, Bellew appears to have his sights set elsewhere.
The 34-year-old called-out Deontay Wilder, the WBC heavyweight champion, in his post-fight interview with Sky Sports.
“You know what I want next? Deontay Wilder, the Bronze Bomber, I want you boy. I’m just thinking I maybe I have one more night left,” Bellew said.
Eddie Hearn, Bellew’s promoter, said the fight against the American is now a real possibility.
“If you beat Haye, who professes to be one of the best heavyweights in the world, then Deontay Wilder or Joseph Parker – why not?”
“One of the biggest fights in British boxing history [Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko] is April 29. I believe Britain can have two world heavyweight champions because I believe he can beat Wilder and Parker. Why not?
“People have been writing him off for his whole career.”
While Dillian Whyte also wants a piece of Bellew.
Fight me @TonyBellew for a final eliminator to fight @BronzeBomber make it happen @EddieHearn @WBCBoxing #WHYTEBELLEW
— Dillian Whyte (@DillianWhyte) March 5, 2017
Bellew has options, but it’s clear he won’t be fighting Anthony Joshua next.
Bellew admitted his admiration for Joshua following the fight, and praised him for taking boxing to a “new level.”
Catch up with this week’s episode of 888sport Football Friday Live
