Tony Bellew knows the frustrating politics of boxing well and believes fans are missing huge fights because of what goes on behind the scenes.
Negotiations, promoter disputes, purse fall-outs and more frequently stand in the way of top fights between top fighters, particularly when belts are involved on both sides.
One of this generations biggest missed opportunities, according to Bellew and most fans, will be Anthony Joshua versus Deontay Wilder.
The two could have, at one stage, fought for the undisputed heavyweight championship. Losses to Oleksandr Usyk for the Brit and Tyson Fury for the American put paid to that, but the two hard-hitting stars would have still put on a show.
Fans were closer than ever to seeing it recently when Joshua and Wilder fought on the same card, but Wilder’s loss to Joseph Parker whilst ‘AJ’ delivered on his end against Otto Wallin ended those fresh talks abruptly.
Another loss to Zhilei Zhang leaves Wilder facing retirement. He isn’t the fighter he used to be, meaning even if a Joshua bout was made it would be nothing compared to prime versus prime.
Bellew took to social media to criticise the failed negotiations over the years and advise Wilder to hang up the gloves.
“This is what happens when politics get in the way of GREAT fights! We have been robbed of a true classic here!! I wish Deontay Wilder well and hope he now thinks about his wealth and ultimately his HEALTH! When there is a huge fight there to be made, MAKE IT!”
Joshua will move on towards his goal of becoming a three-time champion, with a fight against Daniel Dubois in September currently being negotiated. It has the potential to have the vacant IBF title on the line should Usyk be forced to vacate.
