Glenn McCrory previews Juergen Braehmer v Robin Krasniqi - and talks Sergey Kovalev

Juergen Braehmer defends his WBA title against Robin Krasniqi, live on Sky Sports on Saturday night, and Glenn McCrory details why it's important to tune in to this light-heavyweight tussle...

Germany is a big stronghold for boxing. They love the sport, they’ve always put on great fights and there’s a real history in that country.

Braehmer hasn’t lost a fight for over eight years and that’s why he’s a world champion. He’s 36 but in his prime – he’s very solid and strong, with a big punch. He’s a southpaw as well, he’s only lost twice and he’s knocked out 33 of 47 opponents.

Live International Fight Night

Braehmer is of the Arthur Abraham mould – except whereas people say Abraham is in decline, Braehmer certainly isn’t. Abraham still has what it takes, but Braehmer is top quality.

We remember Krasniqi from his defeat to Nathan Cleverly which was a close, close decision. His record is remarkable – Braehmer has had 47 fights aged 36 but Krasniqi is only 27 and has fought 46 times. So he’s crammed a lot in, and since the Cleverly fight, he’s gone unbeaten.

That winning spell has earned him a fight for the world title so we’re going to see two very solid competitors in the European scene. They’re two top quality performers and it took a world-class fighter like Cleverly to narrowly defeat one of them.

Some consider Braehmer the best light-heavyweight in the world so this is his opportunity to make himself known to more fans. This is a world-level fight.

Krasniqi lost to Cleverly a couple of years ago, aged 25, so maybe he was too young. Maybe this is his time.

Some consider Braehmer the best light-heavyweight in the world so this is his opportunity to make himself known to more fans. This is a world-level fight.

Krasniqi is improving but Braehmer is in his pomp, his southpaw stance and punch power will be too much. I expect a late stoppage or a points victory for Braehmer.

The real champ?

For me, IBF and WBO champion Sergey Kovalev is the best in the world. But then there’s WBC champion Adonis Stevenson. What was once not the most glamorous division now has two of the most exciting fighters in world boxing in Stevenson and Kovalev. 

People are familiar with how good Kovalev and Stevenson are, so this is a chance to see what Braehmer is all about. He’s been around the block, he’s got a great record, so maybe he can earn a mega-fight against Kovalev or Stevenson.

What puts Cleverly in the mix is the fact that he’s beaten Krasniqi before – but I think Cleverly could do with proving himself again after his Tony Bellew loss. His future is still in doubt. How much does he want the game? He showed no passion against Bellew.

Braehmer v Krasniqi keeps the light-heavyweight pot boiling – people want to see Kovalev or Stevenson in big fights so these two could be next.

Watch Live International Fight Night: Braehmer v Krasniqi on Saturday at 10pm on Sky Sports 4 HD.