Kovalev vs Cleverly

Compare the last six opponents and the results.

Clev's fought

Krasniqi Decision.
Hawk Round 8 TKO.
Karpency Decision.
Bellew Decison (Majority)
Kuziemski Round 4 TKO.
Mohammedi Decision.

Kovalev's fought

White TKO 3
Campillo TKO 3
Thompson TKO 3
Boone TKO 2
Simakov TKO 7
Young TD (should be TKO to Kovalev)

There is a difference in levels, but perhaps not a huge gulf in class between opponents fought. Kovalev is wrecking people, Cleverly mostly outpointing. In fact, Cleverly would probably have outpointed Kovalev's opponents, but Kovalev would probably have stopped all of Clev's.

Kovalev has wicked power, he can land it too. Clev can win if he somehow survives into the late rounds and Kovalev gases. Kovalev looks pretty complete though, a hardness about him. He's coming to win.

Even if Clev's chin is good, Kovalev's power is more than enough. Not good tactics to take a beating and hope Kovalev slows late. Clev can box, Kovalev walks him down, cuts the corners off, Clev decides to fight and trade, he get's caught quick.

Can Clev put on a masterclass of boxing and break Kovalev's heart?

Or will he be the next TKO3 victim?

This is a really good fight. :good

 

If Clev actually wins this it'll be the best victory by a British fighter in at least the last decade. He's inferior to Kovalev in every department that I can see except the mythical 'later rounds' that we haven't seen Kovelev in yet because everyone he fights gets immolated.

Not to be negative either but Clev v Campillo would a have been a tough points win at best for Clev. I can't bear to think of the result of Kovalev vs Shaun Hawk.

 

cant wait to see that jumped up tadger cleverly ko'd

 

I'm a Brit too, and I don't dislike Clev at all, he's looked 'good enough' against the opposition he's fought. Just not outstanding. I'm not entirely sure what you mean by Nathan's 'Momentum' though, or perhaps you're refering to his lack of it? Kovalev on the other hand is coming off the back of a series of frighteningly impressive, early round, KO wins.

It's intresting with Kovalev, barely anyone had heard of him 'til the Campillo win (except WRT Roman Simakov RIP). Suddenly, after White, he's big news.
He wasn't a fighter with a big broadcaster or promoter, who's career has been carefully managed to make him look good, he just kept beating people silly in small venues, until someone finally noticed.
Then he carried on doing it NBC, as the standard of opposition increased. His biggest payday to date was just $4000 after taxes and expenses. The guy's come up the old fashioned way, and he's hungry.

That said, Cleverlys unusual style may trouble him, and Clevs speed could keep him off balance for a while, but Clev ain't gonna be stopping him, and sooner or later I see those punishing combos taking their toll.

Gonna be in Cardiff on the 17th and I'm hoping for a good fight, but I can only really see it going one way.


Oh, and I'd never want someone to beat Clev, just to say 'I told you so' - I wish Nathan every fortune in his career, I just can't help but be excited by one of the most impressive punchers in boxing today. Sergei Kovalev.

 

Watch the Krasniqi fight. Kovalev is going to find Cleverly really easy.