Tony Bellew is well aware of the frustrating politics of boxing and believes fans are missing out on big fights because of what goes on behind the scenes.
Negotiations, infighting between promoters and disputes over prize money often get in the way of top fights between top fighters, especially when there is a belt on the line for both fighters.
According to Bellew and most fans, one of the biggest missed opportunities of this generation would be Anthony Joshua vs. Deontay Wilder.
The two were once up for the undisputed heavyweight championship, but while losses to the Briton against Oleksandr Usyk and the American against Tyson Fury ended that dream, the two hard-hitting stars would still have put on a fantastic bout.
Fans felt closer than ever to the bout recently with Joshua and Wilder fighting on the same card, but Wilder's loss to Joseph Parker while “AJ” had a strong showing against Otto Wallin brought an abrupt end to those renewed talks.
Wilder would be on the brink of retirement if he loses again to Zhang Zhilei, and he's not the fighter he once was, so even if a fight with Joshua were to happen it would pale in comparison to a bout between the two fighters in their primes.
Bellew took to social media to criticise failed negotiations over the years and urged Wilder to retire.
“This is what happens when politics get in the way of a great fight! We have been robbed of a true classic here!! I wish Deontay Wilder the best of luck and hope he thinks about his finances and ultimately his health! If the big fight is going to happen, let it happen!”
Joshua remains on track to become a three-time champion and is currently in negotiations to face Daniel Dubois in September, with the vacant IBF title on the line if Usyk were to relinquish it.
