Who thinks cleverly can beat kovalev

Dan Rafael ‏@danrafaelespn 1m

Paper being finalized for Cleverly-Kovalev on @HBOboxing on Aug. 17. Won't be @THEREALBHOP-Kovalev. Cant say I am surprised. #boxing

 

I'll be surprised if this fight happens as I thought Clev would have got a few more quid in the bank before taking it up to this level taking into consideration his age , fair goes to him if he does fight him , interesting point regarding Clevs experience over 12 rounds made earlier and I agree it could be THE deciding factor . Clev UD IMO too busy in the latter stages IMO .

 

If HBO are really pushing for it then that may be the deciding factor in terms of it going ahead, especially with Golden Boy now dealing with Showtime meaning Hopkins is a more difficult make for Kovalev's camp. Plus W*rren's sudden indications of greater financial confidence means this finally looks to be more than just hot air.

Is a good move too because it'll be Kovalev who is the one stepping up into only his 3rd 12 rounder, and whilst possessing a dig it won't be enough for him this time. Kovalev is being described as a 'beast' here now but afterwards Clev will get no credit on this side of the pond for beating what in hindsight will be seen as a crude under exposed slugger. The good thing is that Kovalev is rated on the American side though, so when Cleverly comes through this W*rren will hopefully be forced to really pull his finger out.

 

Are you confident Cleverly's much better than the guy that fought Bellew? He seems to be, but his level of comp hasn't gone up one bit, till now. Or should a Bellew type effort be enough?

 

Well actually you'd have to say Cleverly has regressed since Bellew but then it must've been difficult getting up for the dross that's been put in front of him since that fight. If I had to put money on it then a Bellew type effort would be enough but he should be looking to do better than that. The thing that worries me is that in the Bellew fight he was being told crap in the corner between rounds and that input hasn't changed. With somebdoy like Kovalev it would be prudent to play it smart but he doesn't seem to have that kind of input going into his lugholes before, during and after fights.

 

Cleverly is a tough **** with a fabulous engine and good workrate once he gets going. A come forward explosive fighter will play right into his hands, he will outlast them. it's the thoughtful fighters he will struggle with.

 

clev cant even beat a national rival (if you count that bellew neighbours wales).

clev should aim next for the national title, and stay there if he can manage it.

 

Reading some of the comments here, gees, what a quick fall from grace for Cleverly, this thread is less than a year and half old. Sadly very predictable with the level of opponents he was fighting before taking on a monster like Kovalev

 

You're a pathetic racist.