Nathan Cleverly will make the second defence of his Commonwealth light-heavyweight title against James Toney on February 13 in Swindon - James Obede Toney that is. Although the 28-year-old Ghanaian doesn’t have quite such a formidable record as namesake James Toney, the former world cruiserweight champion, “Hot Ice” carries a heavy punch and has stopped 19 of his 23 victories early. And his name provoked a raised eyebrow or two from unbeaten Welsh sensation Cleverly. “When matchmaker Dean Powell told me he’d got James Toney as an opponent I thought ‘hold on a minute boyo’, a former world cruiserweight champion and heavyweight title contender might be a bit too ambitious, even for me!” said Cleverly. “Then he mentioned his middle name and I realised it was James Obede Toney - but he’ll still give me a tough fight. “I’ve seen some of his title fights from America and Canada, and he’s been taking on world class operators like Lucien Bute and Roman Karmazin so he’ll not be a push over. “I fought an African in my last fight and knocked him out in four rounds, and if I can do the same against Toney then I’ll be delighted because he’s a very dangerous opponent.” Cleverly, still only 21, picked up the Commonwealth light-heavyweight strap in October with a points win over Tony Oakey, before knocking out Douglas Otieno in Widnes in December. He’s now unbeaten in 14 fights with four stoppages, and promoter Frank Warren is backing him to become a star. “I love the way Nathan fights, and if he keeps on improving like he did last year he will soon be knocking on the door at world level,” said Warren. The show, co-promoted in association with Keith Mayo, will take place at the Oasis Sports Centre and is to be shown live on Sky Sports, will also feature local star Jamie Cox, who won a gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and has built an impressive nine-fight unbeaten record as a professional. “It’s great to be fighting in my home city, and hopefully I can have a title fight here later this year,” said Cox. “It means so much to me to be showing all my fans what I can do. Obviously the first step on the ladder is to win an English title, but I won’t be happy until I’ve got a world title around my waist.” http://www.boxingnews24.com/2009/01/news-cleverly-toney-martirosyan-lyell-mcallister-murray/
I was just about to write his obituary. Seems its another Afro Bum, albeit a more recogniseable one with a punchers record. Could be interesting if Clev's questionable whiskers are tested.
Meh, at least its not a terrible opponent. A step up from last time, and he's still a baby really. 8 with Bute is not bad form. Interestingly he beat Ayitey Powers easily, who is now fighting Dean Francis, so there is no doubt who has the better of the opponents.
I would rather he fought at 168 due to my suspicions about his chin. Also he's got little power at 175 despite knocking that Afro Bum out cold. All indications are he's happy at 175, he said he'd only go down for a good offer. If he keeps fighting at 175 he is going to grow into the weight soon, as he's young. So he won't have much choice.
Why do you have suspicions over his chin?? I missed his last fight against Otieno...Did he get rocked in that fight??
I really hate the Commonwealth title - it basically facilitates ducking the leading domestic contenders and/or (*delete as appropriate) cherry picking.
Before Christmas he told me he was happy at 175 for the time being. He'd only move back to 168 for bigger fight moving forward.
