Why is Cleverly fighting Illunga Makabu?

[Foreign Soil]

Makabu has power but he fades in the later rounds. He just barely beat Kucher because of it. If Cleverly can withstand the early rounds, he can outwork him late, but that was their gameplan with Kovalev but Kovalev is better than Makabu. Still that's some ballsy matchmaking.

[techliam]

We can all complain and be puzzled, but I guess i'll be the first to say it.....at least Cleverly has guts.

[Tay Roc]

When did Mugatu get out of prison? I thought he had a longer sentence for his attempt to assassinate the prime minister of Malaysia?

[US Dirk Killer]

Makabu really ain't that good and people on here are talking like he's one of the elite.

25 pound gap in weight class and he's the hardest puncher in the division

[Hougigo]

Cleverly has the upper hand in speed, endurance and mobility... but Makabu has the size and power advantage.
He'll put his gloves up, walk forward and let you punch him.... but as he gets closer he'll look to land and Cleverly hasn't taken a shot from a guy in a weight division 25 pounds north of his.
Makabu isn't some boxing wizard, he comes to hurt you.
Cleverly has to fight really smart and avoid anything big from this guy, because he does have power.... he just needs to land it.