It's not often that a fighter goes into the lions den having the expectation of returning home with the lions scalp. Then again its not usually a dragon entering the den! That is indeed the case this Saturday when Nathan Cleverly 26-0(12KOs) will trade blows with his visitor - the Russian beast, Sergey Kovalev 21-0-1(19KOs).The hype surrounding the unbeaten Kovalev is growing, and most believe the challenger will rip the WBO Light Heavyweight title from Cleverly's grasp. The big punching Eastern European has fought exclusively in his land of residence, USA and ventures across the Pacific to tackle the new Welsh Dragon.
While some sceptics may point to the fact that Kovalev has yet to challenge his unquestionable power against any of the heavyweights of the 175lbs division, just as easily the same can be said of the champion.
To their credit though they both have at least one well recognisable name on their records. Kovalev demolished the durable Gabriel Campillo in 3 rounds - who pushed world champions, Tavoris Cloud and Beibut Shumenov close and drew with Karo Murat.
Before becoming a world champion, Cleverly defeated Murat via 10th round TKO, now Murat is set to challenge fellow 175lbs title holder Bernard Hopkins. Then inbetween a few unknown defences Cleverly squeezed past rival Tony Bellew. Since then Bellew took two attempts to set up a WBC title shot vs the winner of Adonis Stevenson-Tavoris Cloud.
When it comes to styles clashing, this is undoubtedly a clash that is sure to provide nervy excitement. Kovalev is a patient knockout artist, his style drawing many comparisons to that of Middleweight banger Gennady Golovkin.
While his power has brought great success, it has also brought a tragedy no fighter ever wishes to be involved in. On December 8th 2011, Roman Simakov died in hospital, just three days after he was halted in 7 rounds by Kovalev. Hollywood would no doubt use this sad episode to further glorify Kovalev's fear factor, but in boxing we can only write it down as an unfortunate and tragic event.
Thankfully unlike many boxers before him Kovalev has not lost confidence and hasn't showed any signs that he is holding back on his own punches. Four knockout wins have followed and not one has exceeded the 3rd stanza.
Cleverly meanwhile has built his reputation as an exciting fast-handed boxer. Despite a lack in one punch knockout power, he has a solid chin and has become willing to engage against lesser challengers.
For Cleverly to be victorious he cannot afford to be dragged into exposing his macho side. The Welshman must remain calm throughout and dominate where he can - on the outside.
Cleverly's fans are hoping this fight will replicate the night when Joe Calzaghe schooled the feared favourite, Jeff Lacy. But lest we forget Kovalev's mindset is far from similar to Lacy's. Kovalev has already faced terrible adversity when Simakov passed away, and the way in which he has resumed his career shows their are no mental frailties in this Russian machines armour. Cleverly will not be able to break Kovalev mentally, like Calzaghe did to Lacy.
Yet this could still be Nathan's breakout fight, a chance to prove most of the world wrong. My own confidence in a Cleverly win has diminished slightly, as it's very hard to see him being able to avoid the inevitable bombs.
The pick though is still for Cleverly to pick his moments and outbox Kovalev for most parts of the fight. But if Kovalev can land enough significant punches then the visitor will likely rip away the title while injecting further fear into the Light Heavyweight ranks. With Kovalev at 175 and Golovkin at 160, there doesn't seem much place to hide for those locked in this small field of weight classes. Right now there may be no scarier place to be.
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The undercard also packs a good punch, with plenty of sizzling match-ups to look forward to before the main attraction.
Ovill McKenzie 21-11(10KOs) will rematch Enzo Maccarinelli 36-6(28KOs) in a defence of the formers Commonwealth Light Heavyweight title. The first encounter was just beginning to live up to expectation as a slugfest when Ian John Lewis intervened prematurely, handing McKenzie a 2nd round win.
After a terrible start to his career McKenzie has only lost twice to Tony Bellew since winning the Prizefighter. A 3 round destruction of Tony Dodson suggested he'd do the same to the aging Enzo.
Still expect fireworks and a few knockdowns but the pick is for McKenzie to continue his good form, stopping Maccarinelli in 5 rounds.
In a fight expected to provide just as much excitement, Gary Buckland 27-2(9KOs) defends his British Super Featherweight title against one of the famous Smith brothers, Stephen Smith 16-1(9KOs).
Everything was going to plan for Smith before he ran into the improving Lee Selby who halted the Liverpudlian in 8 rounds. With confidence renewed Stephen is ready to step back up to the level where he was knocked off of nearly two years ago.Buckland has only lost to Ben Murphy and one time world title challenger, John Murray, while wins over Paul Truscott, Stephen Foster and Gary Sykes (twice) show he is no easy obstacle for Smith.
The pick is for Smith's better boxing skills to prevail in a nip-and-tuck affair. Buckland's energy and punching power will keep him competitive, but in the end he'll narrowly miss out.
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