Why fight Kovalev?

Just be happy he is taking a risk

That's what we want to see isn't it,fights to prove who is best not just money spinners

 

I just posted about this on another thread:

This is a straight forward business move by HBO and FW. Kovalev is the real deal and HBO are backing him all the way, they know FW needs the money and they know Cleverly is an easy way for Kovalev to pick up a belt. Having a belt will make big money unification fights down the line, which is why everyone was happy for the Hopkins fight to go by the way side, for the time being.

FW knows Cleverly will get destroyed but he's been made a good enough offer to get him to sacrifice his fighter, simple as that.

 

Why shouldn't he fight him?

Hasn't fought a single world class opponent yet and is somehow a world champion. About time he stepped up.

 

If that's the case why fight in Wales? Why wouldn't HBO give that extra dime and bring Clev to America to make this a prime time 'name-building' fight for Kovalev? Fighting in an opponent's back yard puts you at a disadvantage, if they're spending all this money to pick up an 'easy' belt as you say, why would they allow any risks?

Cleverly fights long, has a good engine, a good chin and enough pop to make even the godly Kovalev fight honest. This is a very close fight.

 

****** is no way giving up on cleverly

He is his only world champ and his only link to big fights like this Hopkins and froch

 

They are looking at the bigger picture and giving FW what he wants to make the fight happen as a belt, which Kovalev doesn't have, is a big marketing and bargaining tool. With Hopkins set to retire they want to maximize their earning from him as well as developing Kovalev so a unification fight between the two as Hopkins swan song is the best way to do this. Kovalev wins and they have the Light Heavyweight heir apparent on their hands, a unified champ and they can then call the shots and get fighter come to them on their terms.

 

I watched 4 recent fights of Kovalev last night, and it seems to me that once his opponents feel his power their gameplan disappears.

He looked pretty decent technically, and not slow, but the type of style that could possibly work against him is one like Clev's. Clev has him on handspeed and with his workrate and heart this could be a great fight to watch.

If NC tightens his defense and fights cautious for the first 4 rounds, a big mental hurdle will be passed. Seed of doubt will plant in Kovalevs mind and if the tide is to turn in favour of the workman-like Welshman, breaking the spirit of Kovalev is key.

A big unknown for me is can Cleverly's obviously sound chin stand up to the withering power of Sergey? If I had to bet, my answer would be: not if Sergey can keep it up for 8-12 rounds.

I think Clev will be drawn in to a toe-to-toe punch out and while he will land on Kovalev I don't believe he has the power to KO him. Clev is a volume puncher who wears down opponents rather than bang them out, and I simply think he will get KO'd before SK gets weary.

Intruiging match-up that makes sense for both fighters imo, I can't see this one failing to be exciting no matter what the outcome.

 

I think Clev is gonna take him into the trenches and outwork him in the second half of the fight,I know Cleverly hasnt fought anyone of great note but who the hell has Kovalev beaten besides an old Campillo that have people so worked up.

 

It's the simple eyeball test, watch Cleverly fight and watch Kovalev fight, it's clear that Kovalev is a class above.

But most people on here develop their opinion of a fighter based on where he comes from rather than what he actually does in the ring, which is stupid, but that's life.

 

It's a very naive person that thinks they know for definate who will come out on top in a fight with so many unanswered questions about the fighters involved Nobody can be sure so why are you.people moan about Nathan's opponents what about kovalevs then

 

Most people did the eye test before he fought Campillo and everyone thought Campillo was a class above:-(
If Nathan wins this are you going to be one of those people who will then tell us Kovalev was a hypejob?

 

Really?

I seem to remember most people thought Kovalev would beat Campillo, but didn't expect him to just walk straight through him the way he did. Campillo was supposed to be a tough test and the way Kovalev destroyed him has got peoples attention.

Look, it's very rare for an American network to heavily invest in a foreign fighter, especially a Russian who can't speak English, but this is what HBO are doing and there is a reason for this - Kovalev is the real deal.

 

Hey, Cleverly is the most avoided man in boxing. So avoided that even the fans don't turn up for his fights.

 

IF Cleverly pulls off the win, it will propel him into much bigger fights. It is a worthwhile gamble IMO.

D