The award recognises Bellew’s impact inside and out of the ring over the past two decades on a local, national and international level.
Liverpool-born Bellew, achieved significant success during an 11-year professional career, including holding the WBC cruiserweight title from 2016 to 2017, with his professional record standing at 30 wins, 20 by knockout.
Tony Bellew said: ”I’m incredibly honoured to receive this recognition from Edge Hill University. Chasing your dreams through hard work and faith in yourself is a value I share with Edge Hill so to be acknowledged in this way means a great deal.
“I’m proud to be standing alongside these inspiring graduates and I hope in turn they see me as proof that anything is possible with dedication and belief.”
Tony was a three-time ABA heavyweight champion and represented Great Britain as an amateur. He also starred as Ricky Conlan in Creed and Creed III and is now a commentator and pundit for broadcasters including DAZN and talkSPORT.
Since retiring from the sport, Bellew’s impact has transcended the ring as he’s become known as a prominent mental health campaigner.
He openly shared his personal mental health struggles when he appeared on the University’s Edge Ahead podcast alongside his wife, Rachael, as well as volunteering to support campaigns including DrinkiQ, Men’s Sheds and Soccer Aid matches for UNICEF.
Professor Jay Cullen, Executive Dean of Faculty of Arts and Sciences, said: “Tony Bellew’s journey, pursuing his dream to become a world champion boxer and then becoming a champion of mental health awareness, is exactly the kind if achievement we hope will inspire our students graduating this week.
“By awarding Tony an Honorary Doctorate, we recognise his outstanding contribution to boxing and his commitment to breaking down stigma around men’s mental health.
“He is a truly deserving recipient and an inspiring role model for our students and wider community.”
Find out more about Edge Hill’s honorary doctors and the range of undergraduate and postgraduate study options available. The next Open Day is on Saturday 15 August.
July 20, 2026
