Clev's Title Shot

[grannyman]

Has everyone forgotten that this is the main event?

Even Sky are talking about the Groves fight in their ad's without a mention of the main event.

Does Clev really struggle to sell that badly?

[Asterix]

For some reason, there's something unappealing about him. Maybe it's because he has no rivalry with anyone and is always pleasant. He should start being a bastard to someone near his level (and division) and people will soon start bitching, and get interested.

I'm sort of surprised he's such a favourite for this fight with Braehmer. I was under the impression Braehmer's very dangerous.

[grannyman]

Even Ticketmaster are selling their packages as the Degale vs Goves event!

Never seen anything like it.

[dbflex]

Why is this such a surprise? If Murray-Mitchell was on the undercard of say Kell Brook (before he left Warren) challenging MBaye say in East London, the two Brits would be the fight used to sell the show. I feel for Clev but the show is in London, DeGale is an Olympic gold medallist, Groves is his bitter local rival who defeated him and both sell tickets in the capital. Their backstory is compelling and the fight sells itself. If Clev was fighting Pascal or Hopkins it would be different but Braehmer is hardly a big name. That said, if this bill were in Wales, again the whole set-up could change. But it's not and in the circumstances, DeGale-Groves is the de facto main event, through no fault of Cleverly's.

[alexpaterson]

Was thinking the exact same, you got to feel sorry for him his big chance and he's been overshadowed! Once he wins a title that gives him more bargaining in bigger fights, hopefully

[saturday_kid]

Was similar for Cleverly the last magnificent 7 bill in Liverpool, he was fighting for an interim world title, macklin defending euro, yet it was all about DeGale Smith for the British.

Just dont think he has that wider appeal

[mickey1975]

Clev should be grateful to DeGale and Groves for generating the cash to pay Braehmer to defend over here.

[saturday_kid]

Good point

[ArtOfWar]

I think it just shows how badly everyone wants to see Degale/Groves. The are big rivals and big talents. Perfect combination.

[Camcas]

The Degale fight is just a fight people want to see a lot more than Cleverly

[stujones]

Was similar for Cleverly the last magnificent 7 bill in Liverpool, he was fighting for an interim world title, macklin defending euro, yet it was all about DeGale Smith for the British.

Just dont think he has that wider appeal

Yeah, although the circumstances were very different. Clev was fighting a change of opponent.

Him vs Murat was the one hyped up the most on the original Mag 7.

It will be interesting to see when (or if) Warren will gamble and have Degale and Clev on different cards. At the moment, it must be frustrating for Clev on the undercard of PPV's - not exactly getting the mainstream audience is he.

[whiskey]

Obviously we have two Londoner's with a fierce rivalry fighting in their home city.

Throw in Degale's chocolate coin - and the fact Groves beat him before he flew off to win it - and you have a very marketable recipe.

Also both men have been freely showing their feelings for one another in plenty of Sky interviews, Ringside and youtube etc. Thus it's generated a large interest beyond the boxing fraternity thanks to the Olympian's fame with Joe Public.

Compare the above with a Welshman fighting a German and it pales in significance.

Nonetheless, it doesn't make their fight any less important or interesting. Certainly not for me because I've watched nearly all of Jurgen's televised fights over the years at 168 and 175.

At his very best he is a destructive, formidable, southpaw KO artist with ability and grit.

At his worst, usually when he is facing jail or has an unheralded opponent, he is like a different animal altogether. He is flat footed, lacks ideas and plods.

All I will say about Clev's chances is that I hope for his sake the latter turns up I really do.

If Nathan wails his way through the early rounds like he did against Murat, he could tonked later in the fight. He needs to be assertive, but not reckless because he will be punished for it big time.

[bfchunk]

It's understandable to feel sorry for Cleverly having his title shot being upstaged, but it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. With most of the focus on DeGale - Groves, it's going to take a lot of pressure off Cleverly in the PPV promotion, allowing him to focus more on his fight.

[liamlion]

I think the general consensus amongst fight fans is that they are interested in good domestic fights between genuine rivals more so than second rate world title fights.

Im not surprised in the least that Cleverly is having to take second billing, and thats no disrespect to him because he's a brilliant fighter.

[taffytoon]

It's understandable to feel sorry for Cleverly having his title shot being upstaged, but it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. With most of the focus on DeGale - Groves, it's going to take a lot of pressure off Cleverly in the PPV promotion, allowing him to focus more on his fight.

Nail on the head

The next time they're on the same bill maybe Clev fights and Beats Degale at Super middle

[Asterix]

I think the general consensus amongst fight fans is that they are interested in good domestic fights between genuine rivals more so than second rate world title fights.

Im not surprised in the least that Cleverly is having to take second billing, and thats no disrespect to him because he's a brilliant fighter.

Second rate World title fight? Who would Cleverly have to fight for it to be first rate? Braehmer's a very good foe, imo.

[grannyman]

I think the general consensus amongst fight fans is that they are interested in good domestic fights between genuine rivals more so than second rate world title fights.

Very surprised by that comment.

[taffytoon]

I think the general consensus amongst fight fans is that they are interested in good domestic fights between genuine rivals more so than second rate world title fights.

Im not surprised in the least that Cleverly is having to take second billing, and thats no disrespect to him because he's a brilliant fighter.

What a stupid thing to say

[wrimc]

I think the general consensus amongst fight fans is that they are interested in good domestic fights between genuine rivals more so than second rate world title fights.

Very surprised by that comment.

Its a decentish world title fight.

[Bomber 1]

This is a genuine title fight, Nathan deserves this shot too..

[bfchunk]

Hopefully this is the right fight at the right time for Clev. Better doing this than mixing straight away with Pascal/Hopkins/Cloud/Dawson. Hopefully win the WBO, defend a couple of times and then see out of that group who is left standing.

[wadey]

Does any one know whether or not Brahmer has arrived in the UK yet? I've still got my doubts as to whether he will turn up or not.

[bfchunk]

Does any one know whether or not Brahmer has arrived in the UK yet? I've still got my doubts as to whether he will turn up or not.

I would expect him to come over here early next week.

[Coco]

He has waited patiently and deserves his title shot and this is a genuine world title fight. No doubt about it.

Genuine world title fight????

[Asterix]

He has waited patiently and deserves his title shot and this is a genuine world title fight. No doubt about it.

Genuine world title fight????

The question is, how is it NOT a genuine World title fight? Both are top 10 fighters in the division.