Rockwater announces new episode of the ‘In conversation with’ podcast featuring former professional boxer Anthony (Tony) Lewis Bellew, including never-heard-before detail of the athlete’s career, family life and journey with mental health. Hosted by Sophie Corbett and recorded in front of a live audience at the Rockwater beachside cultural hub in Hove, the episode can be listened to here.

Contrasting his stoic public image, Tony opens up about his tough upbringing, the physical and emotional toll of his career, and his loss of identity in retirement explaining that “professional boxing at a high level – it is not a sport, it is not a hobby, it is a way of life.”

In Tony’s early life, his mother had thought he was “too soft, too kind,” for boxing, a persona he decided to later separate from his sporting identity. With the knowledge that conflict between fighters brings more attention and ultimately more money to the sport, Tony confesses to at times playing the “bad guy,” sharing “I’m sorry to say, that sells.”

Listeners are given a behind-the-scenes insight into Tony’s career, including his longstanding conflict with fellow world champion, David Haye. Within the podcast, which was recorded live in the Hove beachside hub, Tony reflects on the turbulent public relationship that led to the biggest fight of his career, ultimately making the boxer five times his entire earnings.

Bellew competed in professional boxing from 2007 through light heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight and returned to cruiserweight for the last match of his career against Alexander Usyk in 2018. He appeared in Hollywood movie, Creed, and is now a boxing analyst and commentator with Dazn.

Rockwater presents an episode filled with vulnerability, grit and first-rate Scouse humour from one of the UK’s greatest boxing icons, Tony Bellew.

Rockwater’s ‘In conversation with’ podcast series is set to release further episodes featuring:

Music legend Norman Cook, also known as the legendary Fatboy Slim.

Well known British TV presenter, Davina McCall

Actor and comedian, Robert Brydon Jones MBE

British sports promoter, Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing CEO, Frank Smith

Speaking about the launch of the podcast series, host Sophie Corbett, said:

“I am always keen for people to talk. Life can be wonderful but it can also be so challenging at times and I never want people to feel alone. I also find people incredible and each individual’s life so very interesting.

Working with Rockwater, I am lucky enough to meet and chat to some of the most inspiring people, who have also been brave enough to be vulnerable speaking to me, not only about their highlights but also about when life has been tough and sometimes painful.

We thought we knew our podcast guests, but we only knew a little piece of the pie. So we were privileged to have them really open up and tell us about their journey and that’s when we can learn so much, from other people’s experiences. That is what the Rockwater ‘In Conversations with’ podcast is all about. Our guests’ stories are funny, moving, inspirational, educational, brave and the list goes on. At Rockwater we are excited to keep talking and listening.”