Outcome of Cleverly-Kovalev?

[freddydoesdallas]

People are seriously underestimating Nathan in this. I think he has Calzaghe style will. He will not be intimidated by anyone or get carried away in the occasion. Vince might, but will be screamed down by Dean Powell. Clev will have a plan, he is possibly one of the most intelligent fighters in the world! Calzaghe style win for Nathan. Mixing up very fast shots with the odd hard ones non stop for twelve rounds. His opposition has been crap so far, but I bet Nathan himself has been begging for a fight like this, its his time to shine. He even looked miserable at the prefight pressers before Karpency and the others.

I don't think Clev is being underestimated at all, if anything, people are going OTT about him. This is not to sing the praises of Kovalev as the next best thing etc, he seems like a very good, genuinely top 10 fighter which is a good level or two above where Clev has fought. For this reason, he should be the underdog.

If he wins, great, he'll have done really well and will hopefully go onto better things but at the minute he has a lot to prove to show he is near world class. That's not having a go, it's just being honest which deep down, i'm sure the camp will be privately saying.

[MightyWarrior]

I reckon Cleverly has a very decent chin, and I could be wrong, but I think the Russian is over rated as a puncher.

He's straight up and doesn't look like he's really putting his weight behind the shots, and not as lethal a puncher as some are making out.

Those two big wins of his: White and Campillo - they both looked like they were skating on ice before he really connects ( ie legs/chin gone ) and both had been knocked over a few times before they got in with the Russian...so, good matchmaking maybe ?

I think Clev will show him up on Sat night.

[The_Don1]

Kovalev looks like he is open to a right hand through the middle, Clev's superior speed and agility will see him through, after a few competitive rounds and maybe a wobble or two in the early part of the fight I can see Clev coasting to a wide points decision.

[Bard of Boxrec]

I reckon Cleverly has a very decent chin, and I could be wrong, but I think the Russian is over rated as a puncher.

He's straight up and doesn't look like he's really putting his weight behind the shots, and not as lethal a puncher as some are making out.

Those two big wins of his: White and Campillo - they both looked like they were skating on ice before he really connects ( ie legs/chin gone ) and both had been knocked over a few times before they got in with the Russian...so, good matchmaking maybe ?

I think Clev will show him up on Sat night.

Wow MW I usually agree with every damn thing you say but we sure differ on this one, we'll see what happens

Conversely, polecateddy, I usually disagree with everything you say but I think you've got it spot on this time.

[whiskey]

Kovalev is fundamentally very sound, he throws very good combinations and mixes them upstairs and downstairs with ease, always seemingly set to get leverage in with shot after shot. Sure it might trade off a bit of speed with that approach - but it's been very effective to date.

The Russian seems to hit-up opponents everywhere. Their arms, chest and basically any part of you above the belt line. He will take any piece of target there is from the opening exchange.

Clev has to be especially mindful of leaving his body open to attack in this fight.

[JayMc]

Based on the fact that it was Cleverly who wanted the fight he has shown he has the balls to step it up and I think he'll perform on the night and get a points win.

I am concerned that Clev is too easy to hit though and his lack of power won't deter Kovalev. There will definitely be a few shaky moments but I think he'll get the decision.

[MightyWarrior]

I reckon Cleverly has a very decent chin, and I could be wrong, but I think the Russian is over rated as a puncher.

He's straight up and doesn't look like he's really putting his weight behind the shots, and not as lethal a puncher as some are making out.

Those two big wins of his: White and Campillo - they both looked like they were skating on ice before he really connects ( ie legs/chin gone ) and both had been knocked over a few times before they got in with the Russian...so, good matchmaking maybe ?

I think Clev will show him up on Sat night.

Wow MW I usually agree with every damn thing you say but we sure differ on this one, we'll see what happens

Conversely, polecateddy, I usually disagree with everything you say but I think you've got it spot on this time.

Have to admit Riddick, I'd never really heard of him before, and only seen him on youtube since the Clev fight loomed. Maybe I've underrated him ? I've never really rated Clev either, but his chin, heart and work rate in the Bellew fight impressed.

Anyway, I don't usually watch Clev due to W@rren's ULTRA cautious matchmaking, but will be watching this one now

[The Insider]

Kovalev looks like he is open to a right hand through the middle, Clev's superior speed and agility will see him through, after a few competitive rounds and maybe a wobble or two in the early part of the fight I can see Clev coasting to a wide points decision.

That's pretty much how I see it. I've mentioned it in other threads that Kovalev is wide open when on the offensive. He still fights a bit amateurish for me, he's very upright and stays on his toes bouncing waiting to pounce. Clev could make this a very easy nights work against the raw Russian. But as said he hits hard but he swarms and his shots can land anywhere. He also hasn't got that lights out one punch power everyone seems to talk about, he puts his opponents down a few times before his power seems to take effect. Im backing Nathan and I'm quietly confident if he sticks to his plan of using his skill, speed and stamina he can not only win but stop Kovalev mid to late. Looking forward to the fight and it's a testament to how close they are matched by the differing views on the numerous posts about the fight.

[ShadrachSimmo]

Bookmakers have Cleverly 21/20 and Kovalev evens, so just about as close to 50/50 as it gets. I think Kovalev should be a strong favourite but it's an intriguing fight. Clev's supposed granite chin will be tested, that's for sure!

He took some serious shots from Tommy Gun Karpency, his beard must be sound

Bellew clipped him in the second and Cleverly was doing the bravado wave. Kovalev will clip him and that will be that.

Are you on the 'Kovalev early' train Shadrach?

CHOOCHOO!

I certainly am. You saw through my sarcastic comment like a sarcastic comment seer througher.

Kovalev all the way dude.

[whiskey]

Kovalev looks like he is open to a right hand through the middle, Clev's superior speed and agility will see him through, after a few competitive rounds and maybe a wobble or two in the early part of the fight I can see Clev coasting to a wide points decision.

That's pretty much how I see it. I've mentioned it in other threads that Kovalev is wide open when on the offensive. He still fights a bit amateurish for me, he's very upright and stays on his toes bouncing waiting to pounce. Clev could make this a very easy nights work against the raw Russian. But as said he hits hard but he swarms and his shots can land anywhere. He also hasn't got that lights out one punch power everyone seems to talk about, he puts his opponents down a few times before his power seems to take effect. Im backing Nathan and I'm quietly confident if he sticks to his plan of using his skill, speed and stamina he can not only win but stop Kovalev mid to late. Looking forward to the fight and it's a testament to how close they are matched by the differing views on the numerous posts about the fight.

Clev needs control his approach carefully. I know the urge to be a crowd pleaser will be strong, but he needs to curb his enthusiasm. The more you run up to the Russian to throw shots, the more your likely going to eat. He needs to win a round at a time - rather than try to "boss" each round at time.

Roman Simikov left on a stretcher after six rounds and subsequently passed away from the head injuries sustained in the fight with Kovalev.

[handsofstone]

Eastern Europeans arent exactly known for their high workrates and having only seen Kovalev a few times,im expecting a busy fighter like Cleverly to win a UD,i expect to be watching some hairy moment through my fingers also as Nathans chin is tested to its fullest

C,mon Nathan,show them your in the LHW division to stay

[lillywhite14]

I hope Nathan wins but part of me thinks this is his 'Enzo-Haye' moment.

I hope I'm wrong

[Kilburn]

I reckon Cleverly has a very decent chin, and I could be wrong, but I think the Russian is over rated as a puncher.

He's straight up and doesn't look like he's really putting his weight behind the shots, and not as lethal a puncher as some are making out.

Those two big wins of his: White and Campillo - they both looked like they were skating on ice before he really connects ( ie legs/chin gone ) and both had been knocked over a few times before they got in with the Russian...so, good matchmaking maybe ?

I think Clev will show him up on Sat night.

Wow MW I usually agree with every damn thing you say but we sure differ on this one, we'll see what happens

Conversely, polecateddy, I usually disagree with everything you say but I think you've got it spot on this time.

I usually agree with both of you but have to side with MW on this one. Kovalev's record flatters him I feel. I don't see him as a razor sharp puncher.

[Final round]

I've not seen enough of Kovalev to judge but I do feel Nathan has attributes to trouble many fighters, high work rate, good stamina and a seemingly decent chin. He's a bit lackadaisical defensively and can switch off a bit at times but hopefully he'll be on it 100% when faced with a dangerous puncher.

[youngrell]

Having watched a few more fights, I see Kovalev is a bit open to left hooks too. Not sure that's Clev forte though, his straight shots are normally his best.

I keep changing my mind in this one but I voted early that Kovalev will win by KO so I'll have to stick with that as my official pick

[mickey1975]

Necks on the line lads. Me? Clev to win wide on points, big overhand rights pinging off Kovalev's head all night.

[SteveDow]

This could go one of two ways for me. Either Kovalev inside 6 or Cleverly on on points. I've backed Kovalev to win at evens as I just think Cleverly's poor defence and tendency to get into a scrap will be his undoing but if he can weather the inevitable early storm then I can see him eeking out a narrow points win.

[Bard of Boxrec]

Necks on the line lads. Me? Clev to win wide on points, big overhand rights pinging off Kovalev's head all night.

Kovalev by stoppage victory inside three rounds. This is how it will pan out:

Rd 1. Cleverly comes out bobbing and feinting. Has a look for the first ten seconds. Kovalev comes forward, throws some jabs and misses with a couple of right hands. Cleverly lands a couple of cuffing shots. Kovalev has felt Cleverly's lack of power and ups his assault. He backs Cleverly up. Cleverly's output drops almost instantly. Kovalev measures him with the jab and lands a crunching body shot. Cleverly gets on his bike. Kovalev stalks him and lands a combo in the corner. Cleverly waves at him (bravado wave). Kovalev throws another combo and clips Cleverly in the corner. Cleverly down at the end of the round. Gets up at 8. Saved by the bell.

Rd 2. Cleverly still doesn't look fully recovered from the knockdown. Kovalev senses it and rushes forward, throwing combos, but not landing much clean. Cleverly gets brave and tries to trade, lands one straight right hand which Kovalev shrugs off. Kovalev marches forward again and clips Cleverly with a big right hand, which puts him down. Cleverly rises again, looks hurt. EL TEL has a long look, sends him back in, but Kovalev swarms him and Clev goes down again, he rises bravely but his legs are gone and it's stopped.

It's entirely possible that I'm being way too kind on Nate and it's all over in the first.
Kovalev will go on to take a fight with Bernard Hopkins and lose a decision in a bad style matchup for him.

[youngrell]

Necks on the line lads. Me? Clev to win wide on points, big overhand rights pinging off Kovalev's head all night.

Kovalev by stoppage victory inside three rounds. This is how it will pan out:

Rd 1. Cleverly comes out bobbing and feinting. Has a look for the first ten seconds. Kovalev comes forward, throws some jabs and misses with a couple of right hands. Cleverly lands a couple of cuffing shots. Kovalev has felt Cleverly's lack of power and ups his assault. He backs Cleverly up. Cleverly's output drops almost instantly. Kovalev measures him with the jab and lands a crunching body shot. Cleverly gets on his bike. Kovalev stalks him and lands a combo in the corner. Cleverly waves at him (bravado wave). Kovalev throws another combo and clips Cleverly in the corner. Cleverly down at the end of the round. Gets up at 8. Saved by the bell.

Rd 2. Cleverly still doesn't look fully recovered from the knockdown. Kovalev senses it and rushes forward, throwing combos, but not landing much clean. Cleverly gets brave and tries to trade, lands one straight right hand which Kovalev shrugs off. Kovalev marches forward again and clips Cleverly with a big right hand, which puts him down. Cleverly rises again, looks hurt. EL TEL has a long look, sends him back in, but Kovalev swarms him and Clev goes down again, he rises bravely but his legs are gone and it's stopped.

It's entirely possible that I'm being way too kind on Nate and it's all over in the first.
Kovalev will go on to take a fight with Bernard Hopkins and lose a decision in a bad style matchup for him.

Can you clear up one thing for me?

Is it that you rate Kovalev so highly or that you rate Cleverly so low?

[Bard of Boxrec]

Both. Clev is a nice guy but he's in way too deep here. Backing an early stoppage is often a mug's game and I can't remember the last time I did it but if it's applicable anywhere, it's here, with one heavy punching guy who starts like a train and another who can't resist a tear-up he doesn't have the constitution for.

[youngrell]

Cool. I just couldn't work out which it was.

[mickey1975]

Both. Clev is a nice guy but he's in way too deep here. Backing an early stoppage is often a mug's game and I can't remember the last time I did it but if it's applicable anywhere, it's here, with one heavy punching guy who starts like a train and another who can't resist a tear-up he doesn't have the constitution for.

I bet you're glad you weren't around in the days of Benn-McLellan.

[Bard of Boxrec]

The thing is, people picking Cleverly are basically saying he'll have a good enough defence to evade Kovalev's shots all night and win the fight off the back foot. He's already proven to have a sub-par defence against the scrubs he's beaten, what happens when he steps up a level or two here? Do people think he'll become a slickster overnight?

Like Froch, Kovalev will struggle against slick boxers who have tight defences and can land fast shots and stay on the move. Clev is fast but he is just not slick at all, he's tactically naive and I would question his accuracy too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNokhPAGwOM

13:44 - what the announcer says and the chuckle after he says it, followed by his fellow announcers chuckling in agreement, tells you everything lol.

[Deserter]

When the match was first announced I was convinced it wouldn't actually take place.
When it became clear it was genuinely on I was convinced that it would end in a Kovalev KO.
Now, while I've still predicted to Kov KO, I'm increasingly uncertain of my pick and think Cleverley could win on points.

This is why I still love boxing

[Bard of Boxrec]

Both. Clev is a nice guy but he's in way too deep here. Backing an early stoppage is often a mug's game and I can't remember the last time I did it but if it's applicable anywhere, it's here, with one heavy punching guy who starts like a train and another who can't resist a tear-up he doesn't have the constitution for.

I bet you're glad you weren't around in the days of Benn-McLellan.

I may well have bet on the Gman (I'm assuming British money going on Benn would have made the odds of Gman KO favourable) but Cleverly is certainly no Nigel Benn here...