Is Cleverly the dumbest Maths Degree graduate ever?

He's signed for the fight, I take my hat off to him for that. He could have defended the WBO title a few more times at home against Euro level opposition. He would make money from this. Kovalev is a big fight, probably good money as a reward and more exposure. They must see something that I don't. This fight gives Cleverly the chance to get recognition as a proper world champion (it verifies his WBO title to some extent), to be up there with the best. It also brings the risk of being knocked out. Kovalev is coming here (Wales) to win.

 

If we're going to call fighters stupid for taking on the toughest challenges, what's the point?

 

So he gets beat? So what? Should we praise fighters for taking the easy option?

 

I've seen Cleverly look really impressive, winning large points decisions. But I think Kovalev is a good enough boxer, looks durable enough and hits incredibly solid with great combinations. When he chooses to use it, Kovalev has excellent punch quality and timing. If Kuziemski, Hawk etc can catch Cleverly then unless he has changed into Sugar Ray Leonard, a monster puncher or defensive wizard over the last few months I see Kovalev working him over like all his other victims. Kovalev hurts boxers punching through guards even when they are moving backwards. Cleverly coming forward with his hands down and throwing fast combinations will give Kovalev even more opportunities to land his shots.

In reply to the opening Title, there's nothing wrong with a degree in Maths from Cardiff either! :good

 

Campillo is a much better fighter than Bell End Bellew.

 

The Campillo who fought Kovalev?

Sorry, you're mistaken.

Bellew earned a World title shot.
Win or lose he's in the top ten LHW

 

I watched the cleverly vs bellew fight, and both guys looked sloppy with shitty defense. Kovalev is gonna destroy cleverly within 5 rounds, mark my words.

 

I will mark your words from this day forth

 

Just out of interest, what has maths got to do with opponent selection?...

 

impressed

 

Cleverly wanted big fights and to be a crossover star in the U.S. market. HBO told him if he impressed against Kovalev he would get those fights and all that comes with them. I will never dump on a man for testing himself and having ambition.

 

This was an odd fight choice indeed. Cleverly hand picked Kovalev. His team either severely overestimated his abilities and/or underestimated Kovalev. The game plan was equally as odd. Props to Cleverly for challenging himself. However, his earning potential has gone down. He has no title, and no confidence. He's talking about retiring for crying out loud.

 

Oxford education just ain't what it used to be.