Nathan Cleverly deserves respect says rival Tony Bellew
Saturday 17 October 2015 10:51, UK
Tony Bellew believes bitter rival Nathan Cleverly deserves respect following the Welshman’s painful points defeat in Chicago.
Cleverly's hopes of getting back in the world title mix were derailed after he lost a unanimous decision to Chicago-based Andre Fonfara.
Bellew and Cleverly fought each other twice with the Liverpudlian claiming victory via a split decision verdict last year at cruiserweight to gain revenge for his 2011 defeat to the Welshman.
The pair have been engaged in a war of words outside the ring since their first meeting at light heavyweight with Bellew repeatedly declaring a hatred for his rival.
Bellew, however, insisted his rival deserved respect for his performance against Fonfara after watching the fight as a studio pundit for Sky Sports
"I think he gains everybody's respect because he's put up a great fight, he's gone to Andre Fonfara's backyard basically in Chicago," said world cruiserweight contender Bellew.
"Ultimately, I always respect fighters and especially guys that go to people's backyards, and he's not just done that tonight, he's done that on two occasions by coming to me.
"You may not personal like someone but ultimately I do respect him."
Former WBO light heavyweight champion Cleverly started on the front foot against Fonfara but suffered a broken nose midway through the 12-rounder.
Fonfara took control from the seventh round as a blood-splattered Cleverly tried to prevent further damage and was handed the 116-112, 116-112 and 115-113 verdict.
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Cleverly was taken to hospital following his third career defeat as questions about his future began but Bellew would like to see his rival fight on.
"Hopefully we'll see him back," said Bellew. "I would like to see him maybe in a rematch with Fonfara, or maybe the Jurgen Braehmer fight, I think that's a really good fight."
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