Sergey Kovalev interview (good read)

[Humean]

Perhaps a clue to why Warren put Kovalev in with Cleverly, he came pretty cheap!

[King_]

Perhaps a clue to why Warren put Kovalev in with Cleverly, he came pretty cheap!

I doubt Warren wanted anything to do with Kovalev. I heard Cleverly himself wanted the fight and Warren really had no choice. That's WHY Cleverly should get nothing but respect from true boxing fans. He voluntarily defended against THE next man in line, the type of voluntary defenses that should always be made.

Mad props to Clev and I hope he comes back strong after a deserevd layoff. I still think he beats most top 10 LHW's

[Humean]

I doubt Warren wanted anything to do with Kovalev. I heard Cleverly himself wanted the fight and Warren really had no choice. That's WHY Cleverly should get nothing but respect from true boxing fans. He voluntarily defended against THE next man in line, the type of voluntary defenses that should always be made.

Mad props to Clev and I hope he comes back strong after a deserevd layoff. I still think he beats most top 10 LHW's

I think the cheapness of Kovalev was a significant factor. You might be right though that it was Cleverly who was more enthusiastic but can we give him much credit when you consider the previous opponents? You might say the previous opponents were Warren's doing and Kovalev was his own choice but Cleverly could perhaps have went other routes sooner.

Cleverly can perhaps beat a few top 10 light heavyweights but it isn't an especially strong division. Cleverly was one of the weakest belt holders in the sport.

[King_]

I think the cheapness of Kovalev was a significant factor. You might be right though that it was Cleverly who was more enthusiastic but can we give him much credit when you consider the previous opponents? You might say the previous opponents were Warren's doing and Kovalev was his own choice but Cleverly could perhaps have went other routes sooner.

Cleverly can perhaps beat a few top 10 light heavyweights but it isn't an especially strong division. Cleverly was one of the weakest belt holders in the sport.

You may be right about the financial aspect, I cannot comment on that. His previous opponent/defenses were terrible and no we cannot give him credit for those.. But that's why he deserves huge credit for taking on Kovalev. Not only has he never even been close to stepping into the ring with anyone as good as Kovalev, but taking that huge step up as a voluntary defense, considering his previous opponents is very respectable.

No, its not a very strong division, but I don't think Cleverly is as bad as Kovalev might have made him look out to be. That litereally was the single, worst possible matchup for Cleverly (or for anyone at 175 for that matter) I truly believe that anyone who steps in the ring with Kov, once they feel his power, they will react the same way as Cleverly. His timing, accuracy and workrate combined with his power is just ridiculous. Put Cleverly in with someone like Cloud, Dawson or Shumenov and you'll see a complete different fighter, IMO.