Strengths for Each Man
Tony Bellew
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe
The 31-year-old Bomber’s best asset is most definitely his punching power, but to rely on that alone would be a fatal mistake. A former ABA champion, Tony Bellew has copious amounts of boxing ability and when he puts his punches together it can be very impressive.
Therefore, Bellew must fight intelligently, setting up those big shots rather than just going gung-ho, hoping he can land the perfect knockout punch, because to just say “I have power” is simply not enough.
Nathan Cleverly
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe
The man from the valleys is known for his great inside fighting, high tempo and fast hands. Nathan Cleverly boasted a granite chin, claiming he could not be knocked out, until his chin was exposed by Sergey Kovalev.
Nevertheless, he has taken Tony Bellew’s punches before without effect so he does have a good chin. But just like the last fight, the 27 year old will have to try to keep the fight up close where he is comfortable and Bellew isn’t.
Also, the former world champion must keep his work rate up; if he can sustain a high tempo for the full 12 rounds then he has an excellent chance of repeating his 2011 feat.
