Tony Bellew has repeated his call for lifetime bans for boxers who use performance enhancing drugs.
Speaking on Fight Your Corner with Kell Brook and Charlie Parsons, in partnership with Midnite, Bellew said fighters who test positive for anabolic steroids should have no place in boxing.
He said, “I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, anyone failing for performance enhancing drugs, anyone failing for anabolic steroids in my opinion, should be banned for life.”
Bellew added that accidental cases involving products such as nasal sprays should be viewed differently, but insisted deliberate use of anabolic steroids deserved the toughest punishment.
Discussing Ryan Garcia, Bellew said he did not know what Garcia failed on before facing Devin Haney, but believed there would be no repeat with significant money on the line.
The former world champion also questioned Tyson Fury’s planned contest with veteran heavyweight Mariusz Wach.
Bellew joked that Wach had been boxing for so long he “could be my dad”, while Charlie Parsons pointed to the number of recent defeats on Wach’s record.
Bellew said, “Tyson Fury needs boxing more than boxing needs him. Tyson Fury needs boxing.”
He revealed the programme had recently spoken to Fury’s father, who shared concerns about his son’s wellbeing outside the sport.
Bellew praised Fury’s achievements in the ring but said he could not understand the decision to face Wach, describing it as “absolute madness”.
The conversation also turned to life after boxing, with both Bellew and Brook speaking openly about the challenges of retirement.
Bellew admitted that without his family he believed he would not be alive today.
Brook credited former world champion Ebanie Bridges with helping him begin his recovery journey after retirement.
He said, “Ebanie’s been a massive. She saved me. She started me in my recovery.”
Brook added that he now better understands himself and said the obsession that once drove him had gone.
Despite stepping away from the ring, Brook admitted retirement may never be completely final.
When asked if his gloves were permanently hung up, he replied, “You can never, ever, ever say it’s done completely.”
Bellew agreed, saying every fighter has their price, leaving open the possibility that neither man has completely ruled out another return.
