Nathan Cleverly paid tribute to the durable Tommy Karpency after he was taken the distance in Saturday's WBO light-heavyweight title defence.
Welshman admits he had to be on his game to dominate American
Nathan Cleverly paid tribute to the durable Tommy Karpency after he was taken the distance in Saturday's WBO light-heavyweight title defence.
Cleverly was an overwhelming favourite against the American and although it was an impressive, lop-sided win his opponent took plenty of credit.
Karpency took lots of punishment but deservedly heard the final bell as the Welshman made a successful third defence of his belt.
Tough
"It was good boxing match. It was an excellent fight," he said. "Tommy showed tonight why he has sparred with world-class fighters. He is very tough, has good power and is a tough fighter.
"A lot of people criticised our choice of opponent but I have moved through the British scene with ease, I was in university when I was knocking out the British guys.
"So it shows at world level you can't take anything for granted. I knew if I took my eye off the game he would punish me.
"He was probably the toughest opponent I have faced over the distance. A lot of guys are tough over six rounds, but wilt in the championship rounds.
"But Tommy is a 12-round fighter and it makes a difference."
Condition
Karpency was impressed with Cleverly, whom he says is now ready to take on anyone in the division.
"There is nobody who I have been in with who could knock over Nathan," he said. "Having gone 12 rounds with him tonight I say he could fight with anyone in the world.
"He is in top condition, he has a high work-rate and he takes good shots. I hit him with some real good shots tonight and he just sucked them up which surprised me more than anything.
"He is ready for anyone."
