Tony Bellew is fast establishing himself as not only one of the biggest names in British boxing, but also one of its sharpest analysts.
Speaking recently on the Pound For Pound podcast, he was asked to name the three things he would most like to change about boxing.
His response cut to the heart of many of the issues people have with the fight game in its current state.
“Disputed decisions. That would be the first one I’d take away. The second one would be the best fight the best. The number ones fight the number twos in every division. The third one would be two belts per division.”
The sport has been littered throughout its history with incredulous decisions by ringside judges that often have left fans of the sweet science shaking their heads in bafflement and even disgust.
The proliferation of governing bodies and their respective belts has resulted in an endless parade of champions causing general confusion for fans suspicious of the merits of the various belt holders.
The problem of actually pitting the best fighters against each other was perhaps best exemplified by the failure of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao to face off in their prime, instead meeting in a hugely disappointing payday at the tail end of their legendary careers.
The Liverpudlian Bellew, who made a dramatic entrance onto the heavyweight scene with his stoppage of David Haye last March, is currently preparing for a highly anticipated rematch with the Hayemaker set for May at the O2 in London.
The fight has already been postponed due to the injury prone Haye tearing his bicep in training, but the straight talking Bellew has been unruffled by the delay and his insightful observations of the sport he loves show a man with a calm and clear mind.
Bellew has had an interesting and varied career, fighting successfully at different weights and even appearing in a Hollywood movie.
Perhaps whenever he hangs up his gloves, he should move into the administrative side of boxing as he is clearly aware of the ills that currently plague the sport.