Nathan Cleverly vs. Tony Bellew & James DeGale vs. Piotr Wilczewski RBR

It's been in demand for years.

Bellew spoke up for it, but was just giving voice to what most fans of the British boxing scene had been wanting for as long as both guys had been on the radar.

Cleverly is the one who's seemed very arrogant and dismissive of his opponent, talking of retiring if he loses etc.

Bellew believes he will win, but doesn't seem to have this haughty idea that Cleverly doesn't belong in the same ring with him.

 

Round 1

Bellew runs straight out and they both start jabbing. Stiff jabs by Bellew. Cleverly puts up a high guard, and flicks out a few jabs of his own. Bellew pushes him into a corner. The ref warns him for something, very sternly. Finger wagged in his face, Richie Davis is SCREAMING at Bellew for leading with his head. A good twenty seconds wasted on the lecture. Bellew leads with an overhand right and then plugs away with body shots as they come together. Cleverly leans back and slips jabs. Cleverly pushes inside and leans against Bellew, head propped against his chest. Both trade short punches at close range. Bellew gets on his jab and backs Cleverly up a step. Cleverly comes back hacking with a jab and short overhand. Bellew moves his head as Cleverly pot shots with jabs. Lead right by Cleverly lands flush. Bellew taps a few hooks to the side of Cleverly's head and they tie up. Cleverly jabs and comes forward. Bellew lands a right to the body. Another. Cleverly hops in place up on his toes. Bellew jabs him back. Cleverly comes forward jabbing but eats a counter jab. Cuffing left hook by Cleverly as Bellew ducks. Right hand by Bellew falls short as Cleverly pulls back.

Very good opening round.

10-9 Cleverly, but close.