B-Hop is done, 2 years ago it would have been easy work for Hopkins but this kinda workrate right now is all wrong for him. Cleverly's nothing special though, he's top 5 LHW in a weak division.
You don't think B-Hop has the ability anymore to neutralize a basic guy's work-rate like Cleverly? He still managed to make Dawson look unspectacular in his victory and arguably beat Pascal both fights (granted Pascal doesn't have a high punch-output). And I rate both of those guys higher than Cleverly.
Yeah I don't think Cleverly is top 5. Dawson, Campillo, Pascal, Cloud, and Hopkins should be rated above him. Hopkins is the only one he has a chance at beating IMO.
Honestly watching the Clev fight I dont understand all the sudden hype around him Dawson was able to beat Hopkins partly because hes fading and also because he kept him at range and used his long arms and work rate to an advantage Clev despite having the reach capabilities tends to want to get on the inside and looks sloppy and terrible, Depending on what Hopkins turns up he might actually have a field day with Cleverly. I highly suggest Clev work with Roach because working with his father isnt going to get him very far. Hopkins will hold, play dirty and spoil on the inside and possibly steal a decision unless Clev can learn to work behind his jab and not rely too much on that uppercut/hook to the body although its a good shot throwing it all the time wont work He was throwing that shot countless times against Hawk and although Hawk isnt much to be admired he was able to block a lot of those shots but didnt do much in return although he did land a few times. Now if that was Hopkins on the receiving end he would have hit, held, turned and countered. Dont know if it was the lay off, late change of opponent or whether Clev just couldnt get off but he looked terrible in my eyes against a much lesser opponent, missing with wild shots on the inside when he should have backed off, trapped his man in the corner and teed off from range with jabs, straights and that left hook to the body and mixed in a right hook to keep him guessing. would have ended much sooner
While most of us are backing Clev to get the win. We all need to be careful, yes he's finally arrived on US soil (and in style I might add) but just remember when everyone was talking about how Pavlik was going to end Hopkins and look how that turned out. Cleverly to win a UD is my bet in case you're wondering
Haven't seen Cleverly fight yet. All I've heard is high volume Welshman and I think...hopefully he isn't feather fisted. Calzaghe 2.0? More idiots swamping ESB?
If he is Calzaghe 2.0 then he needs to unify LHW (the equivalent to Joe's SMW reign) and then step up to cruiser and beat the man there and win the title all without losing. He also needs to beat a better version of the next guy to dominate the division's top win. To be honest let's just drop all comparisons and view Clev as his own man
Clev on points. Not a great fight but if this is in the UK, I'd go to it, would be decent to see Hopkins fight.
Cleverly showboated throughout that fight. You think that was the best Clevery is capable of? He was hopping around with his arms by his waist. He cared more about making an impression on US Tv than he did about Hawk. It looked like he was doing a public workout on a heavybag and when he had enough he knocked the guy out.
Cleverly´s stile will make this exciting. His last fight was the first time i saw him fight and he looked good but his game has big holes. It will be a fun match of stiles.