ESPN : Cleverly vs. Kovalev Done Deal for Aug. 17th, HBO.

that's a negative view point with no evidence to back it up. the winner will get the fight if it goes to the cards.

 

Whatever KOvy hits, he destroys

 

I've absolutely nothing against Clev, and there is a sense in which Kovalevs unproven, especially over the distance (cos he always puts them away so quick), but Kovalevs not another Lacy, to be outboxed.

This will be a really big step up for Cleverly. For me too big a step, but hey, the kid's still young.

 

I wouldn't say too big a step up, as the guy's a title holder, and at that stage you should take on the best. But I know what you mean. Loads of credit though if it gets made. Cleverly has taken a lot of guff because of his selection of opponents. He'll deserve some credit this time.

 

Indeed, props to Clev and Big Frank, more so because Kovalev brings so little name recognition but appears very, very, dangerous.

Will be a true test of Cleverlys quality. My understanding is that HBO have a big interest in Kovalev and might be seeing Clev as a stepping stone, if he can prove them wrong he'd certainly silence his doubters.

Me, I'm a Kovalev guy- jumped on the wagon after I accidentally caught the Campillo fight - I think he's one of those that bring real excitment to boxing along with Matthysse and Golovkin. But I just like to see the decent fights made. May the better man win.:good

 

Cleverly will get run over by Kovalev. Since Bellew, it's is first real opponent and the Russian is just too good for the Welshman.

 

I think Cleverly will get bombed out there early/mid rounds.

I havent watch alot of Cleverly thou.

 

****ing finally,i like Kovalev and i like Cleverly(good little fighter), now e is taking challenges.
Should be a great fight!
Giving the edge to Kovalev cause of his power,but Cleverys workrate is great.....its a tossup.Cleverlys chin could be his downfall though,he never met someone of Kovalevs power.

 

Agreed. HBO is in a win-win situation, as they can tie their gravy train to which ever guy wins. Good step up fight for both guys.

I caught onto Kovalev(unfortunately) with the Simakov fight.

 

Oooo...Simakov (RIP) wasn't actually a bad prospect himself from the looks. I remember it from the time, but didn't hook up with Kov then, in fact Simakov made him work a bit, I think, but Kov seems to have become a lot more aggressive since hooking up with JDJ. I am right in thinking he was at the Summit with Abel Sanchez for the fights leading up to Simakov?

 

Yeah. It's odd. It's like he comes out and basically says, I'm just going to keep hitting you, and I don't really care if you hit me back.......because mine hurt more. Not to say he eschews defense, but it seems he is absolutely committed to being on offense at all times.

From all accounts he was pretty broken up after the tragedy. Credit to him for not letting it show in the ring.

 

:boogie:boogie:boogie

 

Ive seen a few of Kovalevs fights and i like him but he seems to be getting an incredible amount of hype. Now you may say im biased because im Welsh and i did follow Cleverly closely as he came up in the ranks but after his recent terrible run of opponents (also the fact that Cleverly is a bit of a self righteous *****) I can kinda look at him objectively

Kovalev to me just seems too slow to me and i may be wrong but somehow I dont think hes going to win this fight, dont get me wrong hell probably rock Clev once or twice in this fight but I think Clev will out work him in a great fight (dont forget its in wales so the croud will be behind clev) but overall its going to points and a fair decision, not the robbery everyones been talking about

Clev 116-112 type win

 

Yeah. Made a similar post myself. Not even sure if it was ESB. He even says himself, he doesn't give much thought (as in watching past fights etc) to his opponents. His all out offense seems risky as ****, but it works- he's just smacked...
(hah. now I remember - some tit C'n'P'ed my post across to ..hm..'scene I think)

I'm gonna use the line again 'cos I was quite proud of it.

...smacked 2 top 10 guys round like they were being paid to make him look good.

My concerns are these. He does have skills, but might become too dependant on a winning style. He has a chin, but needs to keep in mind that anyone can be put down (he shares a common only KD with Ward by way of Boone). He has to make sure that he has the condition to keep going in later rounds if the Blitzkrieg doesn't take them down.

And with regards to the Simakov (RIP) death, yeah - I heard that he was close to quitting, even may have discussed it with the Simakov family. How would you deal with something like that? Whatever the reason, the switch from summit to JDJ or some personal decision his fighting style has become if anything, more aggressive. TKO2, TKO3, TKO3, TKO3 against increasingly proficient opponents (well I'd put Campillo over White, but still..).