Braehmer vs. Cleverly: Face-to-Face

WBAnews

“It’s time for a young lion to come and rip that title from him.” (Photo: Sky Sports)

On Saturday, October 1, at the Jahnsportforum in Neubrandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, WBA World light heavyweight champion Juergen Braehmer (48-2, 35 KOs), from Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, defends his title against former WBO light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly (29-3, 15 KOs), from Cefn Fforest, Wales, United Kingdom.

In a world of possible challengers, Cleverly more than fits bill. He was a celebrated amateur. He is a former champion, having lost the belt to Sergey Kovalev in 2013. And he comes into this fight having three of his last six.

Braehmer doesn’t appear to be slowing down. He hasn’t lost a fight since 2008. He won the WBA World light heavyweight title in 2013 with a win over 25-0-1 Marcus Oliveira and has successfully defended his title six times.

The fighters met at a press conference in Hamburg today. Each man looks every inch a winner.

“I’m very happy this fight is finally happening,” said Braehmer. “Nathan Cleverly is a great boxer. He has an offensive style and a high work-rate, which I’m sure will make for an entertaining night for the fans in Neubrandenburg. Of course, every fight is a challenge, but I believe Nathan will provide me with one of the biggest challenges of my career. However, together with my coach Conny Mittermeier, I will leave no stone unturned, and on October 1, my hand will be raised and the belt will remain around my waist.”

Not if Nathan Cleverly has anything to say about it.

“This fight is my destiny,” he said. “Juergen has been fantastic for German boxing, but it’s time for a young lion to come and rip that title from him. He’s 37 years old and hopefully this fight will mark the end of his career.”