"What Serena & Venus Williams achieved is just remarkable" - Former pro boxer Tony Bellew inspired after watching 'King Richard'
Former professional boxer Tony Bellew has heaped praise on the iconic duo of Venus Williams and Serena Williams.
Bellew, who held the WBC Cruiserweight title from 2016 to 2017, recently got the chance to watch the American sports biographical drama King Richard. The movie is based on the Williams sister's astonishing journey to the top of women's tennis.
The English boxer hailed the legendary sisters' achievements throughout their careers and called them the 'greatest siblings in all of sports' on his Twitter account.
"Watched King Richard, I think it’s fair to say that what Venus & Serena Williams achieved is just remarkable! The greatest siblings in all of sport! A man with a plan and 2 daughters who pushed themselves to greatness. Truly inspirational," Tony Bellew wrote.
Watched King Richard, I think it’s fair to say that what Venus & Serena Williams achieved is just remarkable! The greatest siblings in all of sport! A man with a plan and 2 daughters who pushed themselves to greatness. Truly inspirational. @serenawilliams @Venuseswilliams 👏🎾👏 https://t.co/qty60ZJFR5
The legendary duo share 30 singles and 14 women's doubles Grand Slam titles between them. They have also won three Olympic gold medals while representing the United States of America in women's doubles and one each in the singles category.
While Serena Williams called time on her remarkable career at the 2022 US Open, Venus is still enjoying her tennis on the WTA tour. The latter recently scored an impressive win over Katie Volynets in the first round of the Auckland Open, defeating the youngster in straight sets 7-6 (4), 6-2.
Bellew never shied away from showing his appreciation towards the Williams sisters. He previously commented on a highly anticipated women's professional boxing bout between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano, comparing the former's legacy to that of Serena and Venus Williams'.
"Taylor has the potential to be bigger than she ever imagined. Already an inspirational figure for what she’s done for women’s boxing, Taylor could be like Serena and Venus Williams in tennis or the UFC version of Ronda Rousey. This can go past boxing for her," Tony Bellew said.
"Hopefully, sooner than later" - Venus Williams not setting a timeframe for return after hamstring injury
Venus Williams suffered a hamstring injury during her second-round bout at the 2023 Auckland Open. Despite winning the first set against Lin Zhu, she was stunned by the Chinese tennis player in three sets 3-6, 6-2, 7-5.
The American was eventually forced to withdraw from the Australian Open. She has started her rehab and is working towards getting back on the WTA tour. Williams stated that she would return to action but hoped it would be sooner rather than later.
"I think my next step is to get to a place where I feel confident in my body again I definitely need to build confidence in it again and I'll get there, god willing," she said. 'I'll take you guys on this journey with me, back to health, back to tennis hopefully. Hopefully, sooner than later, I don't know exactly when but I'll let you know."