Given that my last blog could easily be construed as having something of a dig at Nathan Cleverly, it’s probably only fair that I express my delight at his potential fight with Sergey Kovalev, set for August 17th.
As someone who has been critical of the opponents Nathan has faced since becoming WBO light-heavyweight champion, I am very, very excited about the prospect of seeing Clev in with dangerous Russian Kovalev.
It will come of no surprise to hear that, since this week’s press conference to announce the fight, he’s received all manner of criticism on Twitter for fighting ‘another bum’. Sadly not surprising in an era that gives anyone a platform to spout utter drivel.
Make no mistake, Kovalev is a real test for Cleverly. Far and away the best opponent Nathan will have faced since, and possibly including, Tony Bellew; Kovalev has an unbeaten record of 19 knockouts from his 21 wins, including very impressive early stoppages in his last two fights over the incredibly durable Cornelius White and Gabriel Campillo.
Kovalev was also involved in a tragic fight back in December 2011, when the WBA pitched him against fellow Russian and promising fighter Roman Simakov for the Asian title.
Sergey dominated the fight from the off; and knocked Simakov down in round seven. Simakov got up off the canvass but was floored again by an innocuous looking jab almost immediately.
Roman’s corner waved the fight off immediately; they could see the distress on Simakov’s face. Sadly, it was to prove too late. He collapsed in the ring, having fallen into a coma that he never awoke from. He died shortly after the fight.
Sadly a risk involved with any combat sport. Though a credit to Sergey Kovalev that he has maintained his focus and drive following such a tragic win.
He has fought himself into a position whereby he has forced the hand of the top ranked light-heavies. Recently elevated to mandatory challenger for Bernard Hopkins’ IBF world title, a move which could potentially stop the meeting with Cleverly from happening.
Regardless, Frank Warren and Cleverly seem confident that the fight is on; Warren claiming at the press conference that emails confirm the agreement and contracts are in place – from the Welshman’s side at least.
From a fan’s perspective I really hope this does happen. It will be undoubtedly Cleverly’s biggest test to date; a chance to back up the boasts of late of unifying the division.
Although given recent Frank Warren Promotions’ events, I think bets would be best saved until they’re in the ring.
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