After a long hard grey matter session. I have changed my pick to Cleverly unanimous decision 12 round. Kovalev has too many wholes in his defense, Cleverly is one of those fighter who I put in the top echelon in having a high ring I.Q. Tony Bellew is also an intelligent fighter and when they fought. It was such a early test for both of them. What is Ironic and I have not impetuously thought of this, Is that the fight was a physical and mental test where both of them learned how to be tactful in tricky situations. I do understand that there will be some shaky moments for Cleverly but the attrition and engine and mental fortitude that Nathan possesses should see him on the winning side. but like I said about Rigondeaux before the Donaire fight will he get the big fights?
I can't see it personally. Admittedly I've not seen how kovalev operates in a longer fight ('cept Simakov RIP), but what I have seen suggests very considerable skill and ring IQ of his own. Thing is, I've no reason to believe this will be a long fight. Clevs whiskers are praised, but the fact is he just hasn't been in with any big punchers. Even against some of those he has faced, he's been shaken a few times. Make no mistake, both of them will land, but Kovalev will answer Clevs volume with his own special brand. They both have decent movement, but I see Clev having to get on his bike early after having been on the receiving end of a couple of Kovalevs combos and after that it'll just be a matter of time. Clevs fundamental problem is that he just doesn't hurt people very much, whereas Kovalev does. I appreciate Nathan has the home advantage, but I think the HBO $s are behind Kovalev, who will undoubtedly be the far, far bigger cash cow in the long run, due to his style and US base. Cos of this I'm not even expecting to see a particularly partisan judge selection. Nathan will not be able to KO Kovalev, and will need to box the snot out of him to stand a chance. Kovalev has been boxing since he was 11 and has an excellent amateur record. He has the skills and the speed to match Clev, but with massively greater KO ability.
I'm really high on Kovalev. I pick him to stop Cleverly in fashion with how he has stopped previous opposition. Cleverly will be his second toughest fight so we'll see, but I'd be surprised if Kovalev loses this.
