Ahead of the forthcoming domestic tear-up between Tony Bellew and Nathan Cleverly, it looks very much as if the Welshman has got that fire back in his belly.
Cleverly, who moved up to cruiserweight after losing his WBO light-heavyweight title to Sergey Kovalev, flirted with the idea of retirement following that loss. However, with Bellew looming large on the horizon Cleverly can see a dream being realized with the Welshman admitting,
‘I’ve got a dream of becoming a two-weight champion. Win this fight and that dream is alive.’
At 27 years of age, Cleverly has time on his side but the Welsh fighter is perfectly aware that a loss, against Bellew, could be a savage career blow prompting Cleverly to admit,
‘Both careers are on the line.?
‘We’ve put ourselves on a pedestal. We’ve talked the talk. Who can deliver now??
‘Maybe for the loser it’s time to walk away, but losing is not an option for me.’
Purists are hoping that it?ll be a classic fight but with all the insults and talk of hatred floating about there is the possibility that it could turn nasty.
Cleverly has listened to all the talk coming from Bellew about hating him but has remained calm and poised simply choosing to reply,
‘I strongly dislike him. I wouldn’t say I hate the guy – I don’t want to waste that emotion on him.?
‘The way he talks is very disrespectful. He’s got a big mouth. He’s a bully boy. ?
‘He’s a big guy, he’s got a big mouth and he tries to intimidate people.?
‘My ambition is to go to his backyard and bully the bully boy.’
And as for the hatred possibly spoiling the fight, Cleverly is having nothing of it, further adding,
‘I think at this level we won’t waste too much energy on the hate and the grudge match.?
‘I’m prepared for an all-round fight. Whether it’s a slugfest early on, I’m ready for it. If it’s boxing match, I’m ready for it. If it’s a 12-round fight, I’m ready for that.?
‘I’m ready for all outcomes but I can’t see this going 12 rounds.?
And neither can I, but as for who is going to emerge the victor, it?s too close to call for me, but how about you?
Cleverly Talks Ahead of Bellew Clash
