Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
“He waits until I am a free agent, then starts saying we can do it now… pathetic!”
WBN Editor
British champion ready to climb the world rankings
Tony Bellew is currently undertaking a transitional period
in his career as the charismatic Liverpudlian finds himself a free agent
following the expiration of his contract with former promoter Frank Warren.
The 29 year-old, who lost a tight decision to WBO champion
Nathan Cleverly in his first world title shot last year, returned with a crushing
win over former European champion Danny McIntosh earlier this year and is now
focusing on another world title shot.
“I was happy with display against McIntosh, there were
mistakes but overall I was quite happy,” Bellew told World Boxing News.
“McIntosh has an awkward style and is not easy to look good
against so to get rid of him in five one sided rounds was pleasing. I am always
looking for improvement so you'll never hear me say that was perfect or even
close to perfect as I over reached at times and fell in twice.
“I'll say it again though - it was pleasing to get rid of
him like I did and to also show I'm far past this (European) level.
Bellew has been called out by rival Cleverly in recent
weeks, but is sceptical about the Welshman’s advances after pushing for a
rematch himself in the aftermath of their twelve round battle at the Echo Arena
last October.
“I begged for the fight from the minute the first fight
ended as the decision didn't go my way,” said Bellew.
“You know we would have had a rematch by now had I got the
decision that night, which I easily could have. I asked and asked and as
repeatedly told ‘he doesn't want it’ and now I have become a free agent and low
and behold, the very next day I am seeing messages saying ‘let’s do this.’
“Why didn't we hear those calls in December, January and February?
I guess it's all about timing eh?
“He waits until I am a free agent, then starts saying we can do it now… pathetic!”
‘Bomber’ is now in the process of finding a new promoter and
has obviously been linked to a move to Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom stable after
taking in Carl Froch’s impressive IBF title win in Nottingham nine days ago and
wants to get back in the ring as soon as possible.
“You know what? - I'm past all the calling out crap now.
I'll be totally honest, I just want to fight on a regular basis against people
who I'm not expected to turn up and win against,” he said
“I understand every fight can't be a war, but come on -
what's the point in me training for 10 weeks to turn up against a guy who is
whining that he's tired in the corner after 3 rounds? Crazy!
“I want to climb the rankings and become people's mandatory
contender. I don't want any hand outs.”
After winning British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight
titles under Frank Warren's promotional banner, Bellew is moving on to pastures new despite the promoter claiming that the Lonsdale belt holder is still under contract and the rugged Scouser clarified that fact to WBN.
“I have no situation with Frank,” confirmed Bellew. “I'm a
free agent so there is no situation at all. I wish Frank all the best and I'll
move on.
"Once certain things go wrong in a professional relationship, like a
boxer/manager relationship, then it's time to move on and that's exactly what
I've done,” he added.