It was a pathetic display in all honesty, can't believe he was happy with it. Very negative, and whilst he avoided nearly getting knocked out again he barely landed anything worthwhile himself against a guy who got knocked out by a one-armed Dean Francis 4 years ago. Bellew just isn't very good, we have enough evidence of that now based on his past few fights. If he can't bang a fighter out early he either looks like a clueless mug and ends up getting tagged himself, or he runs like he did last night. Anyone who thinks he'd even be competetive with Cleverly let alone beat him really doesn't know boxing.
Thats my thoughts on it really. mckenzie should not be a dangerous opponent for bellew. Bellew should be stopping that level of opposition
journeyman or not, you dont trade with a puncher like ovil mckenzie when your next fight will possibly be a world title fight. if you want excitement and drama go watch WWE.
i think he was more trying to show case his boxing ability and that he can box to orders witch in the past we have all been guilty of criticizing him of not doing. i agree it wasn't the thrill a round fight we're used to from him but he showed composure, great sense of boxing skill against an awkward fighter and he showed us the level of fitness he possesses. every time the camera was on his corner they were cool an carm and tony looked fresh as a daisy every round. with only 16 pro fights under his belt the mans still learning and that was a great learning fight for him. if he had done that in the first fight the threads would be about how much of a great boxing lesson he gave orvill. as a bellew fan i was happy with his performance. as henry cooper once said 'boxing is a trade and you have to learn it.'
True, Clev has beaten several fighters better than Ovill, but can you tell me the last time he fought a genuine puncher? Do you think Clev would have stood and traded and made it 'an exciting fight'. Anthonys natural way of fighting is to attack and have a punch up. He has worked for ten weeks on forming a plan, refining it and carrying that out on the night, despite every instinct telling him to try and knock the guy out. It's horses for courses. After being slated for having no defence last time, he goes away, works on his defence, rights a lot of wrongs and still gets slated. Bit harsh I think You won't see him fight Clev that way.
Its not winning on points that was the disappointment. Its the manner of the points win. It was a limp wristed effort from Bellew as far as I'm concerned. He ran,complained to the ref at every opportunity, didn't throw a jab with any authority and by his own admission didn't throw any power shots. How can that be praised?
Best thing Bellew has goin for him recently is his big mouth and unruly behaviour- that is what has got him in line for a 'WBO' shot v clev- and fair play to him for that!- cause it cant be based on what hes been doing in the ring so far against domestic(at best) opponents. Barring a punches chance- he will get trounced by Cleverly.
Let me tell you Ovil can punch! The gameplan worked and I'll fight to my strengths!! Im a versatile fighter and that style wont be used again! I can't have wars everytime as I'd be finished within 12 months! Styles make fights and I will find a way to win by any means nesscersary ;-) Thanks for support again, constructive and even the plain deluded ;-)
Just from watching the two Mckenzie fights and the Ajisafe fight id say Clev stops Bellew, Before I wasnt too sure but no way Bellew wins now unless he gets a Hail Mary of a punch
We don't know how Cleverly will react to facing a champion yet. I wouldn't write off Bellew in that one.