Tony Bellew is famed for being an ex-professional boxer and he’s also carved out a career in TV. Take a look into his life away from the cameras…
Tony Bellew is now a regular on our TV screens, with the star having graced shows like I’m A Celebrity and Celebrity Gogglebox in recent years.
Originally gaining recognition as a professional boxer, Tony has since become a television personality after hanging up his gloves in 2018.
He’s now set to feature on Alison Hammond’s Big Weekend, where the former boxer will share insights about his personal life, health, and family life with wife Rachael and their four sons.
Before his next telly stint, let’s delve into Tony’s life, from his remarkable career and net worth to his early days…
Tony’s early days
Tony, born Anthony Lewis Bellew, hails from Toxteth, Liverpool, born in November 1982.
His formative years were spent residing on Mulgrave Street in Toxeth, before the family relocated to Smithdown Road near Wavertree, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Tony took up kickboxing around the age of 10, spurred on by his father, despite harbouring dreams of becoming a footballer. Kickboxing paved the way for boxing for Tony, and he eventually decided to go pro.
Boxing career
Tony stepped into the professional boxing ring in 2007, making his debut with a 2nd-round TKO against Jamie Ambler. He continued to notch up several more victories in 2007 and 2008, and by 2009 had maintained an unbeaten record of 12-0.
He went on to square off against the likes of Nathan Cleverly, Mateusz Masternak, Ilunga Makabu and BJ Flores.
In 2017, Tony stepped into the ring for his first heavyweight bout against David Haye. He later returned to cruiserweight, taking on Oleksandr Usyk in 2018, but was defeated.
From 2010 to 2014, Tony held the British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight titles, as well as the European cruiserweight title from 2015 to 2016. He also held the WBC cruiserweight title from 2016 to 2017.
After his bout with Usyk, Tony announced his retirement. He hung up his gloves with a record of 30 victories from 34 professional fights, with 20 of those wins coming inside the distance. He suffered three defeats and one draw.
Post-retirement, Tony appeared on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2020. The following year, he joined the UK commentary team for DAZN and began regularly contributing to their boxing coverage.
In 2023, he participated in ITV’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and reprised his role as ‘Pretty’ Ricky Conlan in Creed III, a character he first played in the original Creed in 2015.
The former boxer also partnered with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for Celebrity Gogglebox, and took part in Soccer Aid this year.
Who is Tony Bellew’s wife?
Tony has been married to Rachael since 2018, but the pair have been together since their teenage years.
The pair first locked eyes as nine year olds living on the same street in Merseyside. Their paths crossed again years later when Tony, working as a bouncer, met Rachael at a nightclub where she was dancing, and their friendship blossomed into romance.
Their love continued to grow, and they are now proud parents to four sons: Corey, Cobey, Carter, and Carson.
In 2018, Tony and Rachael exchanged vows in a grand ceremony at Cheshire’s Peckforton Castle, surrounded by loved ones.
The boxer often expresses his admiration for his wife on social media. Last year, he penned a heartfelt tribute to mark their anniversary.
“I’ve been through everything with this girl and couldn’t have done or achieved anything without her! The day we came together was the most important day of my life.. I love ya more than you know @rachael_bellew, oh and I’m looking to play golf twice this week luv.. #Anniversary,” Tony wrote.
Tony’s net worth
According to The Net Worth Portal, Tony’s net worth is estimated to be £9.6 million as of 2023.
His most significant boxing payout came from his first fight with David Haye, reportedly earning him £2.8 million.
Tony’s 2018 bout with Usyk boosted his career earnings to a reported £15 million, largely due to pay-per-view sales and venue gate revenue.
Alison Hammond’s Big Weekend airs on Friday at 8.30pm on BBC One