Nathan Cleverly v Tony Bellew / Piotr Wilczewski v James Degale

I'm really looking forward to a pair of really good fights tomorrow night, and I think both of them have the potential to be absolute crackers.

Cleverly v Bellew is one which I (naturally) expect Cleverly to win, but there is a possibility that there might be a hiccup or two along the way. Bellew does hit hard, but I don't think he's really mixed in the kind of company to show how hard he hits so far, although outboxing Ovill McKenzie was a smart move after his chin was exposed in the first fight. As for Clev, he's been proceeding nicely for the most part, but his odd fight against the late sub Mohammedi did raise questions about how he copes mentally with adversity. I'm not convinced of his world champion credentials yet, and I doubt the Bellew fight will change that, but should be entertaining, and I'm calling Cleverly on points, but with Bellew going down twice.

As for Degale v Wilczewski, its fair to say that Degale hasn't been given an easy comeback fight, with the Pole having KO'd Amin Asikainen last time out, which, apart from Macklin has been a very durable fighter. Looking at the weigh in Degale is as usual taller and looks to have the advantage in reach, and I think he'll try and box, but will look to press more than he did against Groves. Degale on a wide points win for me.

I have read Cleverly and Tony nearly started a fight at the weight in.

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Originally Posted by Master

I have read Cleverly and Tony nearly started a fight at the weight in.

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Watched the video on youtube, and it looked like Bellew was absolutely itching for confrontation from the very start. Degale and Wilczewski did a face to face shot then a shoulder to shoulder facing the cameras fine, and after the Clev/Bellew weigh in Cleverly went to do the same. Bellew didn't seem to be expecting it and reacted really badly, and had to be pulled away.

Not to be critical, but he seems like quite a highly strung boy does Tony.

What time do the fights start tonight?

I think cleverly wins this one. I think Bellew has the ability to make it interesting but i just believe cleverly has more class than Bellew and will really pick up the pace mid to late rounds. Bellew hasn't fought anyone of cleverlys class and that lack of experience I think will show tonight. I expect Cleverly to get him out of there by the 9th.

What time does fight start

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Originally Posted by Dropanuke

What time does fight start

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The Degale v Wilczewski fight is about to start now, Cleverly bout probably in an hour or so.

Degale not getting a particularly pleasant reception. It sounded like a fight between two away fighters.

Good even fight so far, and it's the pole's workrate v Degale's flashier more accurate work. Shipping a few shots though.

Yeah this pole cam to fight unlike that dude from last weekend, fairly even fight so far...

Piotr just stole the fifth and degale got a little help from ref there possibly

Great round for Wilczewski, big right over the top, if he was a real puncher that would be it, but Degale hung on. Boxing well for the first half of the round, but battered in the last minute.

Degale was in spot of bother there i dont like the bloke much but dont want to see him lose here

Degales landing more clean punches but piotrs punches seem to be having more of an effect

Degale looking to up the workrate again, and grabs the seventh, but he's not making it easy on himself. Getting clipped far too often with the overhand right.

Looks like Wilczewski is really tiring now, as Degale has moved into the lead over the last couple of rounds, with some really good combinations, and some decent left hands too. Wilczewski's still live though, and Degale has to watch out for the overhand right.

Degales taken the last few and piotr becoming less effective, still a decent fight and props to degale for jumping in there right away with a tough opponent.