Let’s not get carried away with Bellew’s career.

[Redd Foxx]

He always looked like doo doo to me. The awful physique probably didn't help my impressions but I was never impressed by the guy or anything he did. I didn't hate him. I rooted for him sometimes. But again, was never impressed. This "legend of Bellew" stuff is silly.

[Kagami Taiga]

He is definitely world class. Most gatekeeper types are. What they arent, though, is elite. And Bellew was definitely not elite. I was surprised with how good he came out against Usyk. I wasnt sureprised by the result of the fight tho, cream rises to the top. Usyk is elite. Bellew isnt.

[IronDanHamza]

So any world champion = World clas to you?

Erm...yeah?

What's "world class" to you?

Doesn't the fact he was world champion literally mean he's a world class fighter?

[Fabes88]

It depends on how you judge things. Based on his talent he’s had an incredible career. Someone who’s followed him from the start if you told me he’d be a box office attraction I would have laughed in your face.

[FinitoxDinamita]

I agree with TS. Since when did Bellew become this super elite? He couldnt even beat Cleverly and barely won a rematch.

[boliodogs]

You are right. Bellew was a good strong exciting fighter with a hard punch but nothing special and that's why I gave him no chance to beat a special fighter like Usyk. He fought his career best fight and did better than I expected he would but he never had the slightest chance of winning. Usyk started slowly and carefully and Bellew was able to squeeze out maybe three early rounds but he couldn't hurt Usyk or keep up that pace. When Usyk stepped up the pace the KO of Bellew was a certainty .Bellew had a good career and will be remembered as a good fighter but not an exceptional fighter.

[Ray*]

Erm...yeah?

What's "world class" to you?

Doesn't the fact he was world champion literally mean he's a world class fighter?

Nope.........

[RJJ-94-02=GOAT]

Pretty much agree with all the responses so far...

[LongTimeLurker]

Haye was finished when he pulled out of the Fury fight. Everyone knew his body was done as did his trainer, Adam Booth. When he came back, who did he fight and what ranking were they? Why didn't Adam Booth continue training him as he was with him from the beginning?

Bellew knew this and clearly stated "his legs are gone" when he challenged him. This is the guy who couldn't put a dent in Cleverly at LHW nor Cruiser.

Bellew did well to over-achieve and get lucky with Haye but every time he really stepped up to a fair and square challenge (Stevenson and Usyk), he was destroyed.

[Tom Cruise]

Wins over Chilemba, Cleverly, Mastenek, Makabu and an admittedly shot Haye is a decent enough career.

Like others have said already, he is a solid fighter, not elite, but mid world level type.

If you stuck him in the current CW WBSS, a weaker field than the first time out, he would be one of the favourites imo.