Nathan Cleverly v Tony Bellew / Piotr Wilczewski v James Degale

[Rantcatrat]

Given the high expectations for Degale and Cleverly, I was underwhelmed by their performances. They were both supposed to be world class and I had them only just barely winning the fights. In fact, I thought Degale was close to losing his fight; he won by maybe a round or two. The Pole definitely had the stronger punches. Considering that Degale also had a lot of trouble with Groves who is good but not supposed to be world class, I don't see a very high future for either fighter. Cleverly loses to the top light heavyweights - Pascal, Dawson, Cloud, Salikh, or Hopkins. Degale loses to any of the top guys at super middleweight. Don't get me wrong though, I applaud both for their valiant efforts in the ring last night. They were in entertaining fights and fought their arses off.

[armin]

Given the high expectations for Degale and Cleverly, I was underwhelmed by their performances. They were both supposed to be world class and I had them only just barely winning the fights. In fact, I thought Degale was close to losing his fight; he won by maybe a round or two. The Pole definitely had the stronger punches. Considering that Degale also had a lot of trouble with Groves who is good but not supposed to be world class, I don't see a very high future for either fighter. Cleverly loses to the top light heavyweights - Pascal, Dawson, Cloud, Salikh, or Hopkins. Degale loses to any of the top guys at super middleweight. Don't get me wrong though, I applaud both for their valiant efforts in the ring last night. They were in entertaining fights and fought their arses off.

Degales people just need to put the brakes on, I mean it was his 11th fight, so for the next few years stay away from world class, still young and time to develop...not sure hell ever get there but really he should be nothing more than a prospect at this point.

[Rantcatrat]

Given the high expectations for Degale and Cleverly, I was underwhelmed by their performances. They were both supposed to be world class and I had them only just barely winning the fights. In fact, I thought Degale was close to losing his fight; he won by maybe a round or two. The Pole definitely had the stronger punches. Considering that Degale also had a lot of trouble with Groves who is good but not supposed to be world class, I don't see a very high future for either fighter. Cleverly loses to the top light heavyweights - Pascal, Dawson, Cloud, Salikh, or Hopkins. Degale loses to any of the top guys at super middleweight. Don't get me wrong though, I applaud both for their valiant efforts in the ring last night. They were in entertaining fights and fought their arses off.

Degales people just need to put the brakes on, I mean it was his 11th fight, so for the next few years stay away from world class, still young and time to develop...not sure hell ever get there but really he should be nothing more than a prospect at this point.

100% correct. Master his skills before moving up. This was almost too much of a step up. If he had lost here, it would have been a major setback for his career.

[Beanz]

I thought Cleverly would be too much for Bellew and was hoping that cleverly would knock him out by about round 7. Not for the first time i called it wrong. Bellew impressed me with a definite step up in workrate and class and Cleverly failed to use his head and adapt. Bellews amateur pedigree and boxing skills were much more apparent and i was impressed by both fighters post fight interview. Think they really earnt each others respect. Degale on the other hand seems to be struggling to convert a great amateur pedigree into an effective pro style. He showed real heart and cajones tho and maybe needs to change trainer, he seems adamant he does not need to but time will tell. Wilczewski was a real test and Degale came through, just needs to regroup and not rush because anything above this level could destroy his confidence. Think his braggadocios attitude is just masking a real lack of belief.

[rampant]

Given the high expectations for Degale and Cleverly, I was underwhelmed by their performances. They were both supposed to be world class and I had them only just barely winning the fights. In fact, I thought Degale was close to losing his fight; he won by maybe a round or two. The Pole definitely had the stronger punches. Considering that Degale also had a lot of trouble with Groves who is good but not supposed to be world class, I don't see a very high future for either fighter. Cleverly loses to the top light heavyweights - Pascal, Dawson, Cloud, Salikh, or Hopkins. Degale loses to any of the top guys at super middleweight. Don't get me wrong though, I applaud both for their valiant efforts in the ring last night. They were in entertaining fights and fought their arses off.

Degales people just need to put the brakes on, I mean it was his 11th fight, so for the next few years stay away from world class, still young and time to develop...not sure hell ever get there but really he should be nothing more than a prospect at this point.

100% correct. Master his skills before moving up. This was almost too much of a step up. If he had lost here, it would have been a major setback for his career.

I do agree but he has to be fighting in fights where he wil llearn and this was a great test for Degale, It was a very tough fight which he came through and at one point I was thinking oh dear...what if he loses this fight....he isnt anywhere near world level give him some more Euro level oppoents to learn from and then we will see.

Most of the Brits who have recently stepped up all seem to look smaller and dont punch as hard! Apart from maybe Froch/Khan.