Nathan Cleverly confident of taking Juergen Braehmer's world title
Wednesday 16 March 2016 14:16, UK
Nathan Cleverly is adamant he's the man to dethrone WBA world champion Juergen Braehmer as talks over a prospective bout begin.
Former WBO light-heavyweight king Cleverly (29-3-KO15) is back on the world title trail having been involved in a thrilling clash with Andrzej Fonfara in October 2015, which he lost on points.
Braehmer (48-2-KO35) made the sixth defence of his world title on March 12 when he cruised to a unanimous decision over Eduard Gutknecht - but Cleverly is demanding the 37-year-old German step up the level of his opposition by finally facing him.
Cleverly, 29, told Sky Sports: "I've got big plans for the future. I'm in a good place after the Fonfara fight. I've gained credibility from that fight and I'm going to take it forward.
"There's the rematch with Fonfara but we're going for Juergen Braehmer.
"There'll be a little tune-up fight in May but then it'll be on to Braehmer. We were supposed to fight three times in the past but for some reason he didn't fight me. It's time to get it on now. I'm prepared to go to Germany and I can't wait.
It's a big ask, going to Germany and upsetting Braehmer. He's a good world champion but I strongly fancy it.
"The perfect scenario would be for Fonfara to fight Adonis Stevenson for the WBC title. I believe Fonfara wants it and will win that fight. I believe I'll beat Braehmer. Then further down the line there's another big unification fight. First and foremost, I've got to get this Braehmer fight and become world champion again.
"It's a big ask, going to Germany and upsetting Braehmer. He's a good world champion but I strongly fancy it. Hopefully I'll make a few defences and then look for the elite fighters like Kovalev and Fonfara.
"I watched Braehmer on Saturday night. It was a good display. Typical Braehmer. He showed nothing different. Eduard Gutknecht is a fringe contender and Braehmer did the business and started off sharp.
"He's got a good left hand, Braehmer - sharp and accurate. I think he needs a real challenge now. Someone like me who's going to bring it. I bring plenty of hype and excitement. Braehmer needs one of those fights now.
"The Sauerlands and Eddie Hearn have started preliminary talks so let's hope they can nail down this date for Braehmer's next fight in Germany. Let's bring an exciting fight to the light-heavyweight division. Let's get it on.
"I thought Braehmer looked good on Saturday. I don't get the impression he's slowing down. He looked on his usual good form, but there's being a world champion and then there's being an elite fighter. Sergey Kovalev is elite, Fonfara is elite but I wouldn't say Braehmer is.
"I can potentially be in the elite category. I showed it against Fonfara and I will show it against Braehmer. I'll use my strengths, make it work for me and take Braehmer down."
Cleverly lost his world title to divisional kingpin Kovalev in August 2013 and suffered his second career defeat the following year to Tony Bellew. He bounced back with a 24-second knockout of Tomas Man in May 2015 before the loss to Fonfara.
