Tony Bellew Is Angry

Steve Bunce and Lennox Lewis on one of the most recognisable and enduring figures in sport, Boxing promoter Don King, with contributions from rivals, law enforcers and fighters

This episode contains content that some listeners may find upsetting.

Ant Middleton served in the most elite units of the British military before transferring his skills and experiences to TV. From 2015-2021 Ant was Chief Instructor on Channel 4’s ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’. On the celebrity version of the programme one of his ‘recruits' was a certain former World Champion boxer called Tony Bellew. Ant pushed Tony to his physical and mental limits on the show.

The two have remained friends and in this episode they share a very insightful and honest conversation that demonstrates their deeply held mutual respect. Ant reveals how his experiences in the military ranged from the highs of discovering just what he was capable of, to the lows of mental trauma that will remain with him throughout his life.

His anger stories range from the everyday to the battlefield extreme… but it’s the way he has learnt to use his anger positively that really hits home. This is a must-listen for anyone who gets angry (that’s all of us) and is interested in learning how to harness those feelings in a more constructive way.

Joey Barton built himself a hugely successful career as a footballer, but the flip side was his reputation as being fiery on the field and often in trouble off it. He played 269 times in the Premier League for Manchester City, Newcastle, QPR and Burnley and also made one appearance for England.

Controversy has always followed Joey around and he speaks candidly in this interview about moments where anger got the better of him. We hear about the remarkable impact on Joey of an anger management professional who has taught him a new way to approach life. There’s a fascinating exploration of how Joey’s highs and lows have shaped him as a manager and leader… plus the inside track on a missed debut and the infamous French accent he once spoke with during a Marseille press conference.

Joey and Tony are friends and this conversation shows the trust and honesty they share. Joey makes it clear that he has regrets and his battles with anger are ongoing, but he shares insights, thoughts and experiences that go way beyond the portrait that has often been painted of him by others.

Millie Bright is a mainstay of the European Championship-winning England Women’s Football team - the Lionesses. Picked for every game during last year’s successful Euros campaign, she’s won multiple honours for her club side Chelsea and is one of the best footballers in the world. She opens up to Tony about the challenges in her early career when women’s football didn’t have the platform, exposure and investment it is starting to get now. Her anger stories range from on-pitch antagonism to off-pitch family matters. It’s a fascinating insight into the mindset of someone who is right now at the very top of their profession. The conversation reveals a determined, principled and team-oriented character who has worked hard to develop the physical and mental skills needed to get the very best out of herself and others around her.

Michael B. Jordan is the lead actor and director of upcoming Hollywood blockbuster Creed 3. A critically-acclaimed and world-famous A-list movie star, Michael has acted and boxed alongside Tony as they have collaborated on the Creed films. Michael and Tony are friends and they talk openly and honestly here, in a way that you don’t often hear from the biggest stars. Michael gives new insights into his career, character and approach to life. His anger stories vary from everyday annoyances to social justice. This is a conversation based on mutual respect and trust… and it speaks to what is required to make it to the very top of an industry whilst living by your values.

Tom Davis is a writer, comedian and actor who has made a name for himself with hit TV shows Murder in Successville and King Gary. With movie acting credits in Paddington 2 and the upcoming Wonka, Tom’s profile is on the rise… but he started in the media industry later than most. Tony explores with Tom how his background has shaped his attitude and approach. Tom is open about the fact that he has a chip on his shoulder and he explains to Tony how anger affects him. From laugh-out-loud to serious, Tom’s anger stories reveal a man who values fairness and has a strong desire to succeed.

Vicky Pattison started her TV career in her early twenties when she was the standout star in reality show Geordie Shore. That kick-started a career and celebrity life lived almost entirely in the media spotlight. Vicky explains to Tony how the pressures of having her life on camera led her to long periods of deeply held anger and how it is only years later that she has been able to process her experiences. Tony uncovers a completely different side to Vicky compared to how she is characterised from her Geordie Shore days. They share fascinating insights into what drives them as people and how the things that annoy them relate to their deeply held values and desire to progress.

This episode contains a description of animal cruelty that some listeners might find disturbing.

Joe Marler is of the biggest characters in modern Rugby, as well as a highly effective and successful player. For England and the Lions, as well as with his club side Harlequins, Joe is known for his competitiveness and will to win. He explains to Tony how his ability to get under his opponent’s skin can provide him with an edge, but also cause him problems. Behind the crazy hair styles and prop forward bravado, Joe has had to deal with his own mental health issues, which he talks about powerfully and honestly. Tony and Joe also discuss how getting help enabled Joe to both continue his career and develop a willingness to learn and try new things.

This episode discusses issues that some people might find distressing. If you are suffering distress or despair, details of help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Paddy Pimblett is one of the most popular and successful fighters in the world of mixed martial arts. He has made a huge impact in both Cage Warriors and UFC. Blessed with vast natural ability, Paddy explains to Tony how he has had to learn to listen to others to fulfil his potential. Tony and Paddy both come from Liverpool and explore how the psyche of the city and its people have fuelled them both. Paddy’s anger stories reveal the pressures that responsibility, the opinions of others and outside events can have on all of us. This is an honest and powerful conversation that gets to the heart of what makes a fighter tick.