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Home » EXCLUSIVE: Tony Bellew reveals extent of hand damage from pro career

EXCLUSIVE: Tony Bellew reveals extent of hand damage from pro career

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Having retired from professional boxing, Tony Bellew now has the rest of his life laid out for him with successes to look back on.

In a recent interview with WBN, Bellew was asked how he felt about no training camps on the horizon.

The Liverpool man also revealed the extent of damage to his hands following a successful run in the paid ranks.

“I’m back training now, I had a couple of weeks off, and now four times a week, I train. I’m not punching with my hands. They possibly couldn’t take it,” Bellew exclusively told World Boxing News.

“I’ll lift, and I’ll do bits of cardio here and there. But I’ll need a good six to twelve months off punching as my hands have been that damaged over the years.”

Notably suffering breaks in fights throughout his career, ‘The Bomber’ felt the effects of packing a hell of a dig.

This was probably most notable when witnessed by thousands of spectators at his personal favorite haunt of Goodison Park stadium in May 2016.

“I’ve been fighting with damaged hands since my second pro fight. It played no part in the fight [with Usyk]; it’s just part of being a fighter,” he explained.

“I’ve been going to training to fill in a slot. It’s very daunting getting to this stage and saying that’s not around. Just chill out, mate, and enjoy my life,” Bellew mused.

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EVERTON

With the passion of boxing still close to him and the enjoyment of the sport, Bellew can now safely stay on the other side of the ropes.

“I’ve trained with a set of lads who I have done for years. The football players from Everton Football Club, we train together and laugh. It is what it is,” concluded Bellew.

With numerous titles, Pay-Per-View appearances, and even a starring role in a movie behind him, Bellew will be highly regarded following his retirement.

In his final bout, Bellew was also upon the scorecards against one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. An accolade that should not be underestimated despite his reputation as a heavy hitter.

Chandler Waller is a staff writer for World Boxing News. Follow Chandler on Twitter @ChandlerWaller.