is it time for bellew to go up a weight and fight cruiserweight

Yep, 25lbs would strengthen his legs considerably IMO.

He's 28 years old, can't keep draining, it will only effect his performance. Having size advantages is great at 175 if you can maintain a Bob Foster-esque metabolism, but Tony can't do it anymore by the looks of it, and has looked weak in his last two fights.

He has good powers of recovery; with stronger legs beneath him he'll be a force at Cruiser IMO. He could smash Dolan up in his debut up there, or maybe Ovill would also be happy to have the next fight at Cruiser himself.

 

He looked drained at the press conference and he was still over 13 stone, I know he was rushing the weight loss but it can't be good for his longevity to keep dropping the weight like that

 

I think so. :good

 

Tony knows his long term future is at 200 I am sure.

If he believes in himself enough to think that he can boil down to 175 and win a belt then fair play to him.

I don't think he can, but aint gonna knock him for believing in himself.

 

I can't see him carrying 200lbs well though. I think thats his thought. He may be strong at 190lbs but that will be neglected if he is fighting guys at 200lbs.

 

He can come in lighter, it's not the be all and end all.

 

2 or 3 more fights at 175 then moving up might be the plan

Question for me is can he bulk up to 200lbs without losing speed?

I'm sure he'll be stronger & take a shot better but how else will it affect him?

 

He won't need to bulk up. He can eat well and come in at a natural weight between 190-195.

What Rob is saying if way off base IMO. 10lbs is little difference between two big blokes. There have been many instances of smaller Heavys doing the job against bigger blokes, I understand that some Cruisers boil down and come in bigger, you also have to understand that, apart from the lantern jawed killer, Cruiser is currently filled with above average fighters. Danny Green hasn't fought at 200lbs yet if I'm not mistaken,.

Tony could do well at British/Euro level for sure IMO.

 

Yeah, it's not exactly murderer's row, is it?

I'd rather him go up there and settle at a weight in the high 180's/low 190's and then start smashing people.

If he hit Huck on the chin I'm not sure he'd get up.

 

yes because Danny Green has had all his fights at a catch weight so that he is not at a dis advantage to 200lbs guys. if it wasnt an issue they would not bother.

10lbs does make a difference if your at the elite level.

 

Same applys if Huck hits Bellew on the chin.

 

he wont like that!

 

Nobody at cruiserweight is elite though :deal

 

whats the odds on Clev ending up there?


He looks to have a really big frame