Tony Bellew faced the wrath of many after “insinuating that” Artur Beterbiev “was not normally possible” to get stronger in the 39th minute.
The Liverpool man also received heavy criticism from fans for his stance on Conor Benn and lack of conviction for two failed drug tests.
Without calling Beterbiev a complete cheater after stopping his friend Callum Smith, Bellew was still criticized for suggesting that perhaps not all is as it seems with the Russian.
The chaos began when Bellew said: “Obviously, we want to see Bivol vs Beterbiev next! It’s a great fight, but please show me a fighter who has gotten stronger with age!
“He is 39 years old and becoming more destructive! Physically, that’s not usually possible, but he’s doing it! Our great sport should be seen as baseball was!
“He’s a beast and a fighter who gets stronger as he ages, which is hard to believe, but he is!
“Callum was as brave as anything! A soldier who went there and gave his all! He faced that monster in his backyard! I’m so frustrated because I want to say more!
We obviously want to see Bivol Beterbiev next! It’s a great fight, but please show me a fighter who has gotten stronger with age! He is 39 years old and becoming more destructive! Physically that’s not usually possible, but he’s doing it! Our great sport needs to be seen like baseball was! 😡
– Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) January 14, 2024
He’s a beast and a fighter who gets stronger as he ages, which is hard to believe, but he is! Callum is as brave as anyone! A soldier who went there and gave his all! I faced that monster in his backyard! I’m so frustrated because I want to say more! 😡boxing😡
– Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) January 14, 2024
Tony Bellew faces criticism for his opinion on Beterbiev
Citing the 2006 steroids in baseball investigation and linking it to Beterbiev was enough for promoter Yvon Michel to respond.
“I love you, Tony, but this is a low blow. You shouldn’t confront this special man!
“If you knew him, saw him trained and understood his dedication and lifestyle, you would understand! You are too much of a gentleman to make such insinuations!
Bellew replied: “The feeling is mutual, Yvon, and believe me, I have no problem with Artur.
“I’ve been in boxing my whole life and I’ve never seen a 39-year-old man get stronger and more destructive! You have to understand that he is defying Father Time and no one knows how.”
That was not the end of the furor even though Michel left it there. Fans then criticized Bellew for even mentioning Beterbiev along with possible wrongdoing.
Despite an “atypical finding” that Bellew’s friend Eddie Hearn made a big deal of during fight week, Beterbiev never tested positive for any banned substances.
Conor Benn and Dillian Whyte silence
However, Bellew’s friend Conor Benn tested positive twice for the same drug in two separate tests. The British Boxing Board of Control has since refused to grant Benn a license for lack of explanation.
They clarified that Benn is not authorized to fight in the United Kingdom. Bellew has never condemned Benn or fellow Matchroom fighter Dillian Whyte when he tested positive for a third time when he crashed a rematch with Anthony Joshua.
This was pointed out to Bellew in very clear terms.
One commenter said: “Tony Bellew is implying that Beterbiev is a drug cheat. He still has never said a word against Conor Benn.
“The fact is that Callum Smith was an easy job for Beterbiev. Smith was defeated by Ryder and never threw a punch at Canelo. It’s an overrated hype job from Liverpool. He has never beaten anyone.”
Another added: “Where was the same energy for Conor Benn and Dillian Whyte’s B sample, clown?”
A third claimed: “You’re a hypocrite when it comes to drug cheats Tony. Canelo fails = Needs a lifetime ban. Conor fails twice = [He’s a] match room fighter [it] does not count. Beterbiev never failed an exam in his career: he is a cheater.”
Showing evidence of Beterbiev’s reflections and past praise for Benn, a fourth reminded Bellew: This is how you defend a drug cheating friend who now accuses a clean athlete like Artur Beterbiev of cheating.”
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