Cleverly Defends Title

Nathan Cleverly retains the WBO light heavyweight title after winning an entertaining majority decision over Tony Bellew in Liverpool last night.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/15315836.stm

I actually scored this 115-113 to Bellew but it was a slugfest with a lot of close rounds and Bellew himself conceded he thought he lost so I won't argue with the decision.

Cleverly was talking about a unification bout with the winner of the Dawson/Hopkins fight but the confusion there might scupper that which i suspect is no bad thing for Cleverly, who has an entertaining style but it would appear no jab or KO power to speak of.

Dawson or Hopkins would probably have too much nouse to get drawn into a brawl with Cleverly, I would prefer a bout with Pascal as that would make very entertaining viewing imo.

Great fight, a contender for FOTY.

Ali wrote:

Great fight, a contender for FOTY.

hahaha, not sure i'd go that far. it was a good scrap but about as technical as a big shit after sunday dinner.

the kevin mitchell/john murray fight is the FOTY so far for my money but they will probably award it to berto/ortiz on the grounds that they are americans

Well I enjoyed it, Bellew gained my respect, he's not just a troublesome Scouser.

If I am Frank Warren I'd target Jean Pascal, that's a fight Cleverly could win, the other top ten guys at the moment are tough experienced and crafty for Nathan.

I can't see Cleverly cracking the top five unless he hires a more competent trainer.

cleverly is far too easy to hit and pascal can bang.

i could see him getting knocked out but it would be great fun for as long as it lasts.