Former cruiserweight champion Tony Bellew opened up about his harrowing experience against Oleksandr Usyk, acknowledging the referee's pivotal intervention that potentially prevented a tragic outcome during their fight. Bellew's boxing career came to an abrupt halt in November 2018 when Usyk secured a resounding knockout victory, asserting dominance in the division by claiming three of the four major heavyweight belts. Reflecting on the intense clash, Bellew recounted the perilous moments, crediting referee Terry O’Connor's decision to end the bout in the eighth round after Usyk delivered a devastating left hook that sent Bellew to the canvas. Bellew, though managing to beat the count, expressed gratitude for O'Connor's swift intervention, believing his life was at risk if Usyk had continued to unleash punishing blows. In an appearance on "I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here," Bellew shared insights into facing Usyk, highlighting the Ukrainian's exceptional abilities to analyze opponents' strategies. He described Usyk's methodical approach, emphasizing how the fighter comprehensively studies his opponents, a skill that became evident during their encounter. Bellew recalled the exhaustive nature of the fight, recollecting details up until the seventh round but confessing a memory lapse during the eighth. When questioned about Usyk's punching power by Sam Thompson, Bellew clarified that while the blows weren't incapacitating, he believes the referee's timely intervention was crucial, as further strikes from Usyk might have had fatal consequences. Expressing the brutality of professional boxing at its highest level, Bellew highlighted that his primary concern was to leave the ring safely. He emphasized the immense physical toll and the fine line between competitive drive and personal safety in the unforgiving world of elite boxing.