If you look at his match making he's had some tough making. Commonwealth Title fights against good opponents early on, World Title fight as massive underdog in his 16th fight v Clev (Was very unlucky with decision). Then he thought a hard but boring opponent in Chilemba twice has beat Ovil McKenzie early in career. He then thought Stevenson in Canada for World Title, lost then in his 1st fight at Cruiserweight was again a good solid Cruiswerweight in Brudov. He soon after that rematched Clev and beat him (bookies could not separate them). Had long lay off then came back to really hard fight in Mastermek who was a top 10 Cruiserweight. Then he beat Mukabu who was huge favourite and seen as beast of division, and Haye twice who was labelled a killer and would destroy him.
Yeah by all means he has had a good career and beaten fighters who are top 10 in their respective rankings. However he has never beaten any elite fighters which is what is required to be considered world class. Cleverly was not world class. Look what happened when he did face an elite fighter in Kovalev, got annihilated. Makubu was dangerous but had no names on his record and was very crude. A good win, great fight and occasion but not world class win. McKenzie, Chilemba, Masternek are all good boxers but none are world class. Flores sure ain't t world class. David Haye is an absolute shadow of his former self. Interesting fights and build up but in no way can be considered world class wins.
Chilemba was boring but has proven to be world class. McKenzie was robbed of world title was he not. But remember Bellew much better fighter at 200ib plus than at LHW. Mastermek was a top 10 Cruiswerweight as was Mukabu so were both world class. I agree Bellew hasn't beat an elite fighter but I am not saying he is elite. Big difference from World Class to elite, as seen in Butler Rodriquez fight. When he fought Haye people thought he was fighting an elite fighter so hardly taken easy option
You could be considered world class and not have ever won a belt, let alone having beaten multiple world champions which is what would be required to be considered elite. Having the ability to contend competitively while still losing to fighters vying for world titles could make you world class, depending on performance. At least that's the way I've always understood it. Every fighter you've mentioned is world class. Mckenzie skirts the fringe of the definition but his draw with Ramirez puts him in that bracket, just.
Maybe a better way of wording this is how we define world class. I apologise, I will use elite from now on. As Sir Alex once said he only ever had 4 world class players under him. All how we define it. Bellew certainly fought world level fighters. Never beat an elite fighter though.
Maybe British class is more apt... Lol He's had a good career come close to the end.. certainly better than I expected him to have..
No need to apologise pal, agree it is a wee grey area. I think fighters who are genuine top 10-20 i. Division are world level top 6-10 world class and as for elite may be top 20-25 pound4pound.