In Germany, on Saturday night, Nathan Cleverly made history.
Not only did he become the first Welshman to regain a world title at the same weight, he also added his name to that small band of boxers that have travelled to Germany and beaten a local favourite to win a world title.
Ahead of the fight Cleverly had threatened to dethrone Jurgen Braehmer but he knew it would take a special performance to do so.
Little did we know that the fight we were to witness would be something of a highly enjoyable mini-classic.
Both fighters were prepared to stand close to each other and trade punches. Cleverly used his skills to land a variety of body and head punches whilst the champion, it has to be said, produced the harder and more eye-catching blows.
But 29-year-old Cleverly kept to his task and in the sixth round landed a plethora of body punches. With the crowd eagerly awaiting the start of round seven Braehmer was suddenly withdrawn from the fight with the 37-year-old unable to continue due to a dislocated elbow.
Cleverly had won the WBA light-heavyweight bout in dramatic fashion.
After the bout the Welshman spoke about a possible re-match with the injured former champion, remarking,
‘If Braehmer wants a rematch he can have one, but I broke him up. The younger lion won.?
He sure did and it remains to be seen where Cleverly goes from here.
Cleverly Regains World Light-Heavyweight Title
