Everton mad Tony Bellew backs Kick It Out
Liverpudlian fighter says sports should unite cities
Tony Bellew tackles Danny McIntosh tonight in their hotly anticipated British light heavyweight clash at the Echo Arena in Liverpool live on Sky Sports 1HD – and the home town fighter is urging the city to back football’s Kick It Out campaign.
The champ is a huge Everton fan and recently trod the Goodison Park turf with his idol Duncan Ferguson to give their backing to the club’s community work, and now the 29 year old is championing football’s fight against racism after a tough year for the problem.
“Sport is designed to unite people and bring them together,” said Bellew. “When you look at the minute’s silence at the Cup semi against Liverpool, it was impeccable because it’s a city united by football. I think boxing does the same as we’ve got some great fighters on Merseyside and we all try to do our bit in the community by getting kids off the streets and in the gyms.
“There’s been some unsavoury moments this season on and off the pitch and everyone needs to step up to the plate and say enough is enough and stamp it out. Everton do some great work in the community, raising awareness of issues like racism and also working with kids – the club has my full support as everyone knows, but even more so with the work they do with Kick It Out.”
Bellew defends the title against the Norwich contender in front of his home crowd, and the belt holder thanked his fans for their support and issued a rallying cry as the first bell draws tantalisingly close.
“The support I’ve received from the city always knocks me for six,” said Bellew. “Liverpool is a unique place for that and I feel honoured that I’m representing Merseyside boxing tonight live on Sky Sports. Derry Mathews put in a great performance last week in Oldham and now it’s my turn to show that we are the bosses of British boxing here in Liverpool – and with the support of the city behind me in the Echo tonight, that’s what I will prove.”
Tickets for the Big Bang featuring Tony Bellew vs. Danny McIntosh plus a great undercard of action are available from the Echo Arena Box Office tonight priced at £30, £40, £60 and £80.
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