Tony Bellew

Tony Bellew is a name known to many who follow the world of boxing. He grew up in Wavertree in Liverpool, and by the age of just eighteen, was strapping on a bulletproof vest and working as a bouncer. His childhood had almost as many knocks as he took in the ring, with the end of his parents relationship and finding himself expelled from school at the age of fifteen. As he had heard said to him many times, he felt a waste of space and his life was at a crossroads. One direction could lead to a life of street fights and crime, the other was boxing. He chose the latter, and went on to become a world champion, but also held the British Commonwealth and European titles, and his glittering career culminated in two defining victories against David Heye. Tony Bellew's story of a chubby kid growing up in Liverpool to a world champion, is an example of willpower, incredible resilience and total dedication. After over 20 years in the ring, what you're about to hear is the tale of a man who has overcome the doubters and reached the pinnacle of his sport. Yet he is still vulnerable and honest enough to admit, he continues to face an almost daily battle with his demons. He's also just written a brilliant new book called Everybody Has A Plan Until They Get Punched In The Face, where he draws on the lessons he's learned from life in the ring to help others deal with the punches that life can throw all of us. If you have been through life events similar to those described in this episode and you need someone to talk to, please contact The Samaritans, on 116 123 And if you'd like to share your thoughts with Simon, he'd love to hear from you: Twitter @SimonThomasSky