Fight Pick & Preview – Cleverly vs. Bellew II:
As Nathan Cleverly (28-1, 14 KOs) and Tony Bellew (22-2-1, 14 KOs) prepare to square off in their heated rematch it’s easy to overlook the path that led us to this point. The usual route to a rematch is by popular demand, whether it’s four fights between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, or a historic trilogy such as Arturo Gatti vs. Micky Ward. A rematch usually follows an enthralling first bout, typically a closely-contested one, and potentially one with an upset outcome.
Look Back: Cleverly v Bellew I
In the first meeting, the two unbeaten fighters captivated the attention of the domestic public and many tipped it as a 50-50 fight. A great deal of animosity developed seemingly out of nowhere, with it kicking off in the press conference, and Bellew apparently wanting to settle things right then and there. Unfortunately his anger and thirst for a KO in the press conference did not transfer to the bout.
While the Liverpudlian had been criticized for his usually over-zealous approach, he didn’t let this show and boxed a tactical game plan. Cleverly seemed to do enough on the night though and eventually forced Bellew back and outworked his man. The judges scored the contest at 114-114, 116-113 and 117- 112, giving Cleverly a Majority Decision.
Questionable Route to the Cleverly vs. Bellew Rematch
Apart from the fact that the first bout was close, it is also plain to see that failed attempts on the world stage is what actually brings them to their second meeting. After both boxers were proud of their showing, they looked to build and move up in levels.
Regrettably they both were hit painfully with a dose of reality in the light heavyweight division. Sergey Kovalev battered the Welshman just three fights later and finished him the fourth round. Adonis Stevenson proved too skillful and too powerful for Bellew with a 6th round TKO just five fights later.
After the pair failed to perform against world-class opponents they instantly stepped up to cruiserweight. Their tactics for an attempt at an all-British cash cow were transparent. So that brings us here, with a chance to see them fight again at a heavier weight.
There were spells in the original fight that were very entertaining, but enough to warrant a rematch? Meanwhile, many boxing fans are finding it hard to believe that the antagonism we’ve witnessed in the midst of the rematch preparations are anything beyond a mere publicity stunt. Even if it’s genuine, and it may appear to be so on Bellew’s part, does that actually make the fight interesting enough to be on pay per view?
Repeat or Revenge?
It’s hard to say whom this weight will favor in the rematch. Cleverly has echoed claims that Bellew is ‘too fat and too slow’. But there has been a lot of talk about Bellew’s power. The Liverpool man is a big-puncher, there is no doubt about it, he possesses natural power. After Cleverly outworked him last time, you wouldn’t diminish potential efforts on applying similar tactics this time round.
Prepare to experience déjà vu though as Cleverly has his hand raised in another close fight. Expect them to come out in a similar fashion as the last time around, they can both box and they both like to try and enforce their physical presence from the outset.
As the middle rounds approach Cleverly will let his hands go more. The Welshman will try to dictate the pace and things may just get interesting if a desperate Bellew has to try and salvage a victory in the latter stages. His pure grit and determination will have him trying anything to accumulate a victory. The 31-year-old has been criticized in the build up for the portrayal of his emotional involvement, but in the past his animalistic nature has helped him finish fights in emphatic fashion.
I expect this to be a close one but if Bellew senses he could lose another tight decision then he will have no choice but to put it all on the line.
Prediction: Nathan Cleverly to win a UD 12 Rounds
