" I’ve never chosen the easy route to world titles or the easy route in fights, and I came up short against Stevenson. "
- Tony Bellew

In simple terms, Tony Bellew is expressing that he has always opted for challenging routes rather than easier ones when it comes to achieving world titles or competing in fights. He acknowledges that despite his choice of difficult paths, he was ultimately unsuccessful against Stevenson.

Beyond its surface meaning, this quote also carries a message about personal integrity and the value of perseverance through adversity. Bellew is asserting that success isn't solely dependent on choosing the easiest path but rather on embracing challenges and learning from them. By taking on tough opponents and striving for difficult goals, he believes that one builds character and garners respect, even if victory is not always assured. His choice to face Stevenson, a formidable adversary, demonstrates his commitment to testing himself against the best.

Tony Bellew is a well-known British professional boxer who competed in the cruiserweight division and later moved up to heavyweight. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his fighting spirit and determination to compete at the highest levels of boxing, regardless of the difficulty or odds faced.