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What happens when two fighters, masters of their craft, meet in the ring? The November 2018 fight between Oleksandr Usyk and Tony Bellew is the perfect answer to that question. The Brit popularly appeared in the movie Creed III. Akin to what happened in the movie, Bellew got knocked down by Usyk in their epic matchup. Fast forward to today, during a recent appearance on a TV Show, the Creed star made a shocking revelation about what happened during the Usyk fight. 

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While both boxers put on a fight of a lifetime, the Oxnard resident came out on top, dominating the fight throughout. What’s more, the fight was the last time Bellew ever entered the square ring. So, while appearing in I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Bellew sheds light on the fight and how the referee saved his life. More importantly, how Oleksandr Usyk nearly killed him during the fight.

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Tony Bellew claims “I’ve never fought someone like” Oleksandr Usyk

Speaking to other celebrities in the show, Bellew claimed he fought stronger and faster fighters. However, he never fought someone like Oleksander Usyk, who has got both. “Obviously, he’s amazing. I’ve fought stronger people. I’ve fought quicker people, but I’ve never fought someone like him who has got everything. He works you out,” said Bellew. Later in the show, the British boxer revealed what happened to him during the fight. 

“But I was exhausted, like. I remember everything up until round seven. I don’t remember round eight,” said Bellew. When one of the contestants in the show questioned Bellew if Usyk hit hard, Bellew claimed he would have died if referee Terry O’Connor hadn’t stopped the fight. “I get up at six. Thank God the referee didn’t let me because he’d have killed me…The referee literally saved my life,” said Bellew. On a separate note, during one of the episodes of I’m a Celebrity, Bellew revealed he lived pay cheque to pay cheque.

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Bellew: “I was living on fight to fight”

Despite being a champion, during an episode of I’m a Celebrity, Bellew claimed that he had a large mortgage hanging over his head. “I had a big, heavy, heavy mortgage. I shouldn’t say skint, but I was living on fight to fight,” said Bellew. However, the Brit revealed that his most lucrative match happened when he faced David Haye.

Also Read: “The Man Who We’d Never See Again”: After Infamous Announcement of Fading Away From Public Memory, ‘Creed’ Star and Former Pro Boxer Tony Bellew’s Appearance on a Reality TV Show Draws Massive Troll

Moreover, the former champion claimed he faced Haye for the second time – he doubled the earnings from the first fight. “After I defended the world title I’d just won, I fought David Haye. That one fight was four times my whole career combined in one night. The next time I fought him again, I doubled it again,” said Bellew. He also added that during his last fight with Usyk, he doubled the prize money again. 

Reflecting on his last fight against Oleksandr Usyk, the British boxer revealed his near-death experience during the fight. However, we would like to get your thoughts on the matter – what do you think about Bellew’s statement? Do you think Usyk is that good?

Watch This Story: Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk Tentative Timeline

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Sudeep Sinha

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Sudeep Sinha is a Senior Boxing Writer at EssentiallySports with over two years of experience covering the science at the ES RingSide Desk. Known for sharp fight-night coverage and detailed analysis, Sudeep has become one of the desk’s leading boxing minds. His work has been featured on major platforms such as Sports Illustrated, Daily Mail, and Yahoo Sports, where he covers everything from amateur boxing developments to high-profile controversies like Ryan Garcia career arc. Sudeep balances his professional writing career with a personal passion for reading, cycling, and lively debates about boxing match-ups and trends on social media. He takes pride in delivering engaging stories that resonate with both hardcore boxing enthusiasts and casual fans alike, providing clear insights into fighter strategies, training, and the evolving dynamics of the sport.

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Arijit Saha

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