Everybody Has a Plan Until They Get Punched in the Face: 12 Things Boxing Teaches You About Life, from the I'm A Celeb star

by Tony Bellew

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER'Tony is a champion who knows the hardest battle is always with yourself. Everyone who reads this book will find a change to make in their own life ' ANT MIDDLETON**THE PULL-NO-PUNCHES GUIDE TO LIFE**"When your job is to stand in front of a very big man who wants to knock you unconscious, you learn what's important in life. In the ring there's nowhere to hide. I was never the biggest or the strongest but I made the most of what I had - I had heart and I had grit and I always put time into the mental game. Now I want to take readers into the ring and help them understand that even though it's an extreme environment and somewhere they're unlikely to ever be, there's plenty they can learn there"Over 12 rounds (chapters), former world champion boxer Tony Bellew will take the reader inside the world of elite boxing to reveal what we can all learn about performance. From what the boxing gym can teach us all about being honest about our strengths and weaknesses to how to hit the canvas and get back up again, this is the closest thing to having a world champion boxer in your corner.

Genres: Biography

251 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2021

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tony Bellew, fighter, husband, father and complete maniac, in and out of the ring. Throughout his career, ‘The Bomber’ split public opinion due to his bravado and spiteful nature. However, beneath the glitz and glamour of the spotlight, stands an openly troubled man with a great deal of vulnerability.

This book takes you on a step-by-step journey through the scouser’s career and highlights the biggest challenges he faced and how he overcame them. Each chapter separates into two sections. The first of which sees the author open up on his experiences fighting David Haye, winning the world title, struggling with grief and dealing with his dad entering a coma after a severe beating. While the second details the steps you can implement to help yourself in day-to-day life.

He puts a lot of emphasis on never quitting, working hard and continuing to set goals. But while I found his advice generally sound, it felt a shade generic at times, and I found the story-telling element of the book far more interesting. In addition, he often left me in the dark in regards to his inner demons, which I found frustrating.

That being said, Bellew, despite constantly banging on about his power, does come across like a good man, albeit one who struggles to deal with his rage. As I turned the pages, I began to admire his attitude and inner belief more and more.

Of course, with it being a book written by Liverpool’s finest, there are a few Bellewisms in there. One anecdote that particularly amused me was when the former cruiserweight champion discussed getting into a huge argument with a doctor prior to surgery, He contested that due to his incredible chin, the local anaesthetic the medical professional intended to use, wouldn't knock him out—of course, ultimately, it did.

Overall, this was a decent read, and I’d recommend it to anyone who needs something to motivate them to hit the road and go for a run.

[Gavin Tuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great blood and guts true story

[Peter Curran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would love to read a much more immersed autobiography by him. I think this only scratches the surface and Tony/Anthony is a fair writer as he has proven here. He is very open, and could very well write volumes about other things, you feel he has been there, done that. From being a world champion. To being lower than low psychologically, I think he could write more on the latter. There are so many out there who are at that low ebb, and never return because they are castaways from society and loved ones, and I really feel the author could be a great role model to these poor people, from all he has been through behind the scenes. From 'bragadoccio' to caring, sensitive advice to our vulnerable loved ones. Anthony, you can do it.
Also, sack your editor, they did an awful job.
I give this three stars because of poor editing and that I really think this could have been something else, because I really feel you have far more potential than this.

[Jade-Emerald Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was originally introduced to Tony Bellew from the podcast - ‘Diary of a CEO’. I found the way he told stories and articulated himself very fascinating and I made the decision to purchase his book. I think his story is fascinating as he truly is the definition of self-made. The book contains many anecdotes about obtaining a strong mindset not just boxing. These tips are something to carry into my own life. I really enjoyed learning more about his career & personal life and hearing his philosophy on how he stays mentally strong. The book was interesting but sometimes lacked flow. I enjoyed the book but would encourage people to listen to his podcast over the book as I think it encapsulated the key messages.

[Liam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each chapter followed a similar template, in which Bellew would talk about how much of a lunatic he his, and then offer some genuinely sound advice which has helped him become a world champion boxer. I found it to be a bit tedious at times, but also quite positive and potentially useful to those unsure about how to improve their lot in life.

Who needs Jordan Peterson, when you have Tony ‘Bomber’ Bellew?

[Majid Hussain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Tony came across quite arrogant in the book but also humble enough to learn from his experiences. As someone who has been doing Martial Arts for most of my life, I could relate to the lessons he drew out from his experiences. He’s a great character and someone who I’ve continued to follow after his boxing career.

[Mark Beech · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened via Audible and really liked this book which is more a self-help guide. Tony Bellew is a highly intelligent man (albeit with anger challenges), and I really enjoyed the way that he read this. Highly recommended.

[Ramona · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a pleasant book to read / listen to. Nothing ground breaking, but nicely affirmative.

[Stef · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it. Very good content. Good advice

[Julian Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic , i am nit a boxing fan but loved it . A great lesson to all , if you believe , commit and do it for those you love.

The ingredient for any success is hard work

[Owain Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspirational , with very good quotes.

[carl fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read

Great autobiography from Tony bellew bit different in a way its a bit of a motivation style read but none the less a great read for any boxing fan .

[George · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can read this in Bellew’s accent. Quite entertaining and a good story only ruined by the David Goggins style advice on how to succeed.

[Nigel Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony write like he speaks, hard hitting book, great read really enjoyed it.

[jamie ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony the bomber bellew

What an amazing read your a legend Tony Bellew you've given some amazing advice in your book enjoyed reading it

[Peter Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bloody loved this book!