Tony Bellew admits talks were held regarding the retired fighter making a comeback for the WBC Bridgerweight Belt
The former WBC Cruiserweight Champion has recently disclosed that he was in advance talks to fight Polish fighter Lukasz Rozanski. The popular scouser admitted it was almost a done deal, “I kind of agreed it, but it doesn’t look like its going to happen.”
Tony Bellew:
The 41 year old retired boxer has not fought since his knockout defeat to the former Undisputed Cruiserweight Champion and now Unified Heavyweight Champion Oleksander Usyk in 2018. Bellew has made no secret of his desire to return to the ring and has been honest about his mental health struggles since his retirement almost 6 years ago. The “Bomber” won the WBC Cruiserweight belt in emphatic fashion at the home of his beloved football club, Everton. Knocking out undefeated fighter and knockout artist Ilunga Makubu. Surviving a first round knockdown to stop Makubu in dramatic fashion in the third round to win the vacant belt.
Tony went on to defend the against BJ Flores, again winning by knockout. Before making the jump to heavyweight to fight former two-weight world champion David Haye. In a fierce rivalry that saw “The Bomber” secure two knockout victories against the former champion. Although the victories were overshadowed due to injuries suffered by David Haye in the lead up and during the fights.
Bellew retuned to cruiserweight division to challenge Usyk for all the marbles in the division and despite putting in a good effort in the early rounds, the pound for pound star gave Bellew a second heavy knockout defeat in the seventh round.
Lukasz Rozanski:
The current WBC Bridgerweight Champion won the belt after defeating the popular Alen Babic by first round stoppage in April 2023. The Polish fighter has not fought since upsetting the Croatian fighter. Rozanski is no stranger to inactivity having almost two years out of the ring prior to beating Artur Szpilka by knockout in 2021.
Will We See The Fight?
Unfortunately, it appears unlikely the fight will take place. Bellew himself as described the fight as “Dead in the water” and there has been no announcement from the Rozanski camp.
Since retiring from boxing, “The Bomber” has dabbled in the world of show business. Featuring on SAS: Who Dares Wins and reprising his role has Ricky Boylan in the latest instalment of the Creed franchise. More recently, Bellew came second in ITV’s “I’m a celebrity, get me out of here!” Whilst still acting as a pundit for DAZN, it appears we have not seen the last of Bellew on TV screens, but it is certainly unlikely we will see him again in the ring.
Does Tony Bellew return to the ring? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
