Tom Bellchambers knocks out Cameron Mooney in battle of former AFL stars

Tom Bellchambers looks to have set up a blockbuster fight against NRL superstar Latrell Mitchell after sealing a comfortable win against Cameron Mooney in Melbourne on Wednesday night.

The former Essendon gun came out on top in the battle of ex-AFL stars, knocking out Mooney in the third round at Margaret Court Arena in one of the undercard bouts ahead of Joseph Parker’s fight with Faiga Opelu.

Bellchambers floored the three-time premiership winner in the opening stanza, only for the former Geelong star to survive the count.

Mooney hit the canvas again in the second round, only for the referee to rule it at push before the 43-year-old landed a heavy combination that connected with Bellchambers’ chin.

Mooney again rattled his younger opponent in the third round, before the former Essendon ruckman rocked him with a huge shot and then knocked him out with a powerful right-hander. 

Tom Bellchambers beat Cameron Mooney by knockout in Melbourne on Wednesday

The former Essendon man stopped his fellow ex-AFL legend after three rounds

‘It was a whirlwind. He actually caught me with some good ones right before I stopped him,’ said Bellchambers.

‘I just kept my feet and landed one and it counted

But the 33-year-old was coy about his prospects of fighting Mitchell.

‘Yeah, I don’t know, I’ve been in the gym for three weeks, I’ll get back in the gym with [trainer] Jason Whateley and see what’s next,’ he said on Main Event.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mitchell stunned boxing and NLR fans alike by announcing he would fight the winner of the bout between the two AFL legends.

The South Sydney star posted a promotional image for the bout on his Instagram and captioned it: ‘Jump on now!! I’ll be fighting the winner!’ 

In December last year Mitchell discussed his love of boxing and he has been associated with No Limit and the men behind it, former NRL star George Rose and his brothers Matt and Trent.

Latrell Mitchell suggested before the fight he would be fighting the winner 

He was also filmed backstage with Tim Tszyu as they celebrated the Aussie world title contender’s knockout win over American Tony Harrison in March, and has been seen in the crowd at other big-name fights.

Meanwhile, Mooney admitted his boxing debut had probably come too late.

‘I’m 43 years old, and I’ve ticked it off the bucket list,’ he said. 

‘I’ve wanted to get in the ring for a long time and I finally did it. Probably at the wrong age, but I had a great time.’