Vinnie Jones praises ‘passion’ at Bellew vs Usyk and says City vs United in Manchester derby did not compare
The Hollwood star and former footballer was amazed listening to the atmosphere after Tony Bellew's defeat at the Manchester Arena
The atmosphere after Tony Bellew's defeat at the Manchester Arena was far better than that seen following Sunday's Manchester derby, according to Vinnie Jones.
The famous hardman was driving through Manchester on Saturday night and was caught up in the aftermath of Oleksandr Usyk's eighth round win over Bellew, which ensured he remained undisputed world cruiserweight champion.
He was astounded by the passion shown by the fans who made the journey to watch the action at the Manchester Arena, which is set to be Bellew's final ever fight as the Everton fan announced his retirement after the bout.
The brilliance of the fans was emphasised a day later, according to Jones, with the supporters at the Manchester derby failing to match those seen on Saturday night.
Manchester City claimed bragging rights over their local rivals with a 3-1 win that also sent Pep Guardiola's side back to the top of the Premier League.
However, even such a result in such a huge game could not draw the same kind of response as Bellew's bout.
"I was coming home on Saturday," Jones told talkSPORT, "and listening to the fans and the people who went to the Bellew fight, to what I was listening to after that football match.
Latest Football News
"The differences, you know... It was unbelievable.
"The passion that came out that fight. All those lads went to Manchester to watch the fight, and what a difference to listening to them watching that derby game."
David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Ilkay Gundogan scored the goals that continued City's unbeaten run from the beginning of the season, with Anthony Martial netting a penalty for United that gave them a shred of hope.
Martial converted from the spot after being brought down by Ederson just before the hour mark to halve the deficit, but Gundogan's strike on 86 minutes ensured City secured a convincing win to go with their superb performance.