Bellew hung up his gloves in 2018 after a career that saw him claim the WBC cruiserweight title and compete for world honors in the light heavyweight division. He faced off against some of boxing's biggest names, including Adonis Stevenson, Ilunga Makabu, Oleksandr Usyk, and David Haye.
The final fight of Bellew's career came against Usyk in a bid to become the undisputed cruiserweight champion. The bout ended in an eighth-round stoppage defeat for Bellew, marking the end of his time in the ring.
Before his clash with Usyk, Bellew had faced David Haye twice, winning both encounters via stoppage. These fights took place towards the end of Haye's career when he was struggling with injuries.
In an interview with First Round TV, Bellew revealed that Haye was the hardest puncher he ever faced.
"I know he's the biggest puncher I ever faced in my life."
Bellew went on to share a sparring experience with Haye from when he was 20 years old and the ABA champion:
"We were wearing 18oz gloves. He threw an upper cut I didn't see coming. My back leg kicked out. I said to him 'great shot.' He was looking at me and had no idea how I took it."
When it came to fighting Haye, Bellew knew he couldn't simply absorb everything thrown his way. He had to choose between making Haye miss and pay or trying to weather the storm and come back strong. Bellew opted for the former strategy, knowing the risk of taking too many of Haye's powerful shots.
It's been over six years since Bellew's last fight, but he's recently hinted at a possible return to the ring. The former champion has revealed there's one opponent he'd be willing to come out of retirement for, though he hasn't named who that might be.
Bellew's reflections on the hardest punchers he faced give fans a glimpse into the physical challenges of professional boxing and the strategic thinking required to overcome powerful opponents.