Tony Bellew believes Chris Eubank Snr should show more respect to Tyson Fury after calling him an “apprentice” earlier this week.
The ‘Gypsy King’ has been out of the ring for two years following an ongoing drugs case, and has been branded as a fighter who has reached his peak and “stopped learning” by Eubank Snr.
However, Liverpool’s Bellew thinks such comments are disrespectful to a fighter who is still recognised as the lineal heavyweight champion of the world.
“Chris Eubank Snr has to think carefully when he speaks, which he very rarely does,” Bellew told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.
“It’s six of one, half a dozen of the other. Tyson has achieved some phenomenal things in his career, and he should be appreciated. I’m not saying everything he says is right, but don’t ever take away from his achievements.”
The ‘Bomber’ was set to rematch David Haye on December 17, but his arch-rival suffered a freak bicep injury in preparation of the bout.
Bellew has since voiced his desire to fight Fury, and firmly believes he will be able to inflict the first defeat on his record whilst beating Haye again in a mammoth 2018.
“The only thing left for him [Fury] to do in his career is lose to me. I’m happy to do it [take the fight],” Bellew said.
“Everyone is saying I’m scared of fighting big heavyweights and I’m sick of hearing it. It’s annoyed me that much that I thought, ‘you know what, let’s just fight the biggest one then.’
“David Haye is telling everyone he can be ready [next year], and I still believe that’s a fight a lot of the British public want to see.
“I’m happy to punch him all over the place again. You don’t fluke anything in boxing. You prepare to fight and what will be, will be.”
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