The reason Tony Bellew wishes he’d acted differently on Saturday night is the very reason he is beloved among most fight fans.
Bellew wears his heart on his sleeve and in a time when most on-air personalities are polished to within an inch of being robotic, he is a breath of fresh air.
Bellew was providing his analysis throughout Saturday night’s incredible card in Cardiff and while most inside the stadium were all waiting for one bout – Anthony Joshua vs. Joseph Parker, ‘The Bomber’ was most anxious about the evening’s co-main event.
But the Liverpool heavyweight had to watch on as close friend David Price was brutally knocked out by defending WBA Inter-Continental and WBO International heavyweight champion Alexander Povetkin.
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Paramedics rushed into the ring to tend to Price, who had Povetkin in trouble a couple of rounds earlier, but it just wasn’t to be for the Olympic bronze medallist.
Bellew clearly found it difficult to immediately come to terms with the fact that his long-time mate could well have been forced into retirement after being stopped for the fifth time in his career.
“I’m a little bit heartbroken to be honest,” Bellew said after the fight.
“He just couldn’t find the punch to get the fight over with.
“He hurt [Povetkin] really bad but couldn’t find the punch to get the fight over with, at the start of the [next] round.
“I give him so much credit. Against all the odds, nobody gave him a chance, there were so many things that were against him.
“I just wish it was different. David is a brilliant fighter, a brilliant man – there is more to life than boxing.”
It was endearing to watch someone speak as a human and a friend but Bellew feels as though he may have acted unprofessionally by letting his friendship with Price disrupt impartiality.
Last night I was extremely low and shouldn’t be like that tbh.. Bit unprofessional but seeing my friend like that truly broke my heart.. He’s one of the best men I know he really is.. He’s healthy and safe and there’s more to life than boxing. He’ll always be a champ in my eyes.
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) April 1, 2018
Bellew shouldn’t regret being open and honest. Not for one second.
While characters and gimmicks have their place in the fight game, Bellew’s authenticity is what makes him who he is.
And he shouldn’t have to change that for anyone.
