Tony Bellew bows out of the sport of boxing just as he lived it in his professional career — speaking from the heart.

In all walks of life every now and then you get to come across people who say it is, for better or worst, but without them, the game of business and life would be a hell of a lot more boring.

That’s for sure.

Tony Bellew ultimately became the champion of the world and achieved a dream that few ever will.

A man who came from little made something of himself, stuck with his boxing through near bankruptcy and a lot of heart break, to ultimately prove that if you persevere in life that anything is possible.

For that, we wish him nothing but the best in retirement after a superb career and wish him well on whatever he chooses to do from here on out.

Bellew had this message to boxing fans today:

It is time for me to finally leave the ring, the bell has rung for the final time and I want to thank you all for the support you have given me over the years, it is not the end of my story though so keep an eye on https://t.co/hsCbVmBcMc #bomberbellew #retirement pic.twitter.com/jDUdFZWiB5

— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) November 22, 2018

Boxing fans have been reacting in their droves:

Nuff respect to you! You had a great career @TonyBellew ! ?????

— Arv Mittoo (@foxmittoo) November 22, 2018

Thank you ?

— Chris Glover (@ChrisGlover28) November 22, 2018

Thanks for the good nights mate, even the bad ones… you’ve done us all proud

— Jay Clusky (@CluskyJames) November 22, 2018

All the best mate, a true character inside the ring and out. As a boxing fan it’s been fantastic watching you. Your brought really excitement back into the boxing world. Enjoy retirement and I look forward to seeing you as a pundit on sky. ?

— Ryan Mathew Adams??????? (@ryanmathewadams) November 22, 2018

Massive Respect ?#warrior

— UkraineBoxingPRO (@UkraineAtamans) November 22, 2018

Well done. Congratulations and enjoy retirement.

— Ashley Theophane (@AshleyTheophane) November 22, 2018