Cleverly v Bellew II: Nathan Cleverly wants to silence Tony Bellew with KO win
Monday 17 November 2014 23:57, UK
Nathan Cleverly says he is determined to beat Tony Bellew inside the distance when the two fighters clash in their long-awaited rematch in Liverpool on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office
The Cefn Fforest fighter won a unanimous points decision when he retained his WBO light-heavyweight title against the Liverpudlian three years ago.
He whinged, he moaned, he cried, he wanted a rematch and now he’s got the rematch. Let’s see who the real deal is.
Cleverly, who has fought twice since losing his title to Sergey Kovalev inside four rounds in 2013, admits questions about how he will respond are valid but says he is ready to answer them.
“The three years since the first fight have flown by since I went into Liverpool, defended my world title successfully and won the fight,” Cleverly told Sky Sports News HQ.
Whinged
“He whinged, he moaned, he cried, he wanted a rematch and now he’s got the rematch. Let’s see who the real deal is. And this time I don’t want to leave it to the judges’ scorecards. I want to win it emphatically and really silence this guy once and for all.
“There are a lot of question marks, like how can I respond after the Kovalev fight against a big puncher? So we’re going to see that, we’re going to find out on fight night. I’m sure I’m going to react in a positive way.
“Bellew is a big cruiserweight, a big puncher so there’s a question about how I’m going to deal with a big cruiserweight. This is the acid test. I’m ready to answer those questions and I’ve prepared well. It’s just a matter of executing it now on the 22nd and I can’t wait.”
Both men will be around two stone heavier this time round as cruiserweights and Cleverly hopes he can build off the back of his first two wins at his new fighting weight.
“We’re five days away and I’m starting to feel the buzz now,” he added.
Energised
“I feel much better (as a cruiserweight). I’ve got more energy. I feel more hydrated, I feel more energised, I feel stronger, I feel fitter and I’m punching harder.
“My legs feel strong and it’s showing in the boxing ring. My last two fights I won with early KO victories, let’s hope I can keep that pattern going.
My last two fights I won with early KO victories, let’s hope I can keep that pattern going.
“There’s a lot more to come. You’ve seen a glimpse in my first two first fights. I was still fresh at the weight, now I’m a little more established.
“I feel a stronger, bigger cruiserweight now, so there is more to come and hopefully I can show the whole package in this Tony Bellew fight.”
Watch Cleverly v Bellew II live and exclusive on Sky Sports Box Office on November 22, with Joshua, Groves, DeGale and more, also on the bill. Go to skysports.com/cleverlybellew to book.
