Two unbeaten British boxing records will be on the line this Saturday night when Nathan Cleverly defends his WBO light-heavyweight title against Tony Bellew before a 10,000 sell-out crowd at the Echo Arena in the challengers home city of Liverpool.
 
The winner could be in line for a mega fight and unification showdown with the divisions best and promoter Frank Warren is confident that the victor of this grudge match, will line-up against the winner of Bernard Hopkins and Chad Dawson who fight in Los Angeles later the same night.

A potential fight would take place in 2012 and Warren would be keen to bring Hopkins or Dawson to Britain to face either Welshman Cleverly or Englishman Bellew, he promotes both.

The duo have clashed on numerous occasions since they were due to face each other in the ring in May after WBO champion Juergen Braehmer gave up his belt at the last minute.

Bellew was unable to make weight for that fight but not before a memorable press conference when the two men almost had a bare knuckle. Today’s weigh-in also had a few shenanigan’s going on when the two went head to head, literally! and had to be separated by there respected teams. The pair do appear to hold a fair bit of disdain for each other.

This is a big British fight, two of our better fighters, unbeaten and in the prime of there boxing careers, both in tremendous shape and totally convinced they will win. This eagerly anticipated bout should live up to all the hype! The talking is over bring on the fight.

What the Trade think?
A selection of predictions on the fight. 

Matthew Macklin – former British and European light-middleweight champion

Bellew is big puncher and Cleverly gets hit! so I give him a real chance. I also think he can box a bit too. But because of Cleverlys speed, work rate and experience, I lean towards him. But I definitely wouldnt be shocked if Bellew pulled it off! 

Spencer Fearon – Hard Knocks Boxing Promoter

It is an tough one to pick, I like Bellew, he is raw and hungry and his power will give him a chance. But if I had to choose, I’ll go with Cleverly on points, because of his experience and boxing skills. 

Steve Egan – Boxing Coach

Cleverley is well open to left hooks to head, if Bellew can land a good one he could stop him, but Bellew would have to box really well to win I think. But I see Cleverly out boxing him and it could be a stoppage. 

Joe Calzaghe – unbeaten former undisputed super-middleweight champion

It’s an interesting domestic fight, as far as I’m concerned, Nathan is head and shoulders above Bellew skill-wise. Don’t get me wrong Tony Bellew can punch. He’s a big puncher, he’s fighting in Liverpool, but I believe Nathan is the class act and Nathan will win this fight. He should win it in style. 

 
Brian Rose – English light-middleweight champion
Think its a great fight for British boxing think if Cleverly boxes
clever he wins on points but if he stands with Bellew think Bellew has the power to put anyone away in that weight division! Just hope it lives up to expectation, not a chance I will be missing it.

Julian McGowan – Boxing Coach

Bellew possibly turned over too late,there are things he hasn’t learned yet in the pros. He should have learned his trade quietly, a few tough 10 rounders. Cleverly is an all rounder, I can see early explosions and think in a thriller Cleverly will survive the rocky moments and win inside 5 rounds, it will not go 12. 

Barkery Jammeh – Main Event Boxing Show

I think Cleverly will win this one. He has just a little bit more experience for me! 

Ryan Rhodes – former 2 time British and European light-middleweight champion

I think Bellew will win by KO – Word has it, that he has been sparring with Carl Froch and Froch says he is looking very good in training and it had been one of the toughest spars that Froch has ever had. If the fight does go to points then it could be Cleverly but my money is on Bellew. 

Carl Frampton – Commonwealth super-bantamweight champion

Cleverly will win. I just think it may be too early for Tony at this point in his career. He has a chance but I think Cleverly is a level above. 

Steve Lillis – Big Fight Reporter

Nathan Cleverly will be at his most vulnerable early when Tony Bellew is fresh and looking to land heavy single shots. Bellew will be well drilled by trainers Mark Quinn and Mick McAllister who got their tactics spot on when he easily outpointed Ovill McKenzie in their rematch. I envisage Tony trying to take advantage when the defending champion does leave his chin open and that is where the fight could be decided. But I think Cleverly will come through some rocky moments and use his experience to edge an excellent fight on points.

Kell Brook – WBA Inter-Continental welterweight champion former British champion.

I’ve seen a different side to Bellew, he’s had his head down and I’ve heard good things about him in sparring. I can see Tony Bellew knocking Nathan Cleverly out and starts punching and tries to fight him he will get knocked out. Cleverly’s chance is to box, but im going with Bellew.

Joe Gallagher – Boxing Coach

I can’t pick a winner both have got great pedigree and good skills, Bellew can really punch and Cleverly is really good, great speed. I know them both and I like them and I won’t pick a winner, but it will be a great fight.

Gareth A. Davies – www.telegraph.co.uk

Bellew will enjoy stentorian support and has a decent following in Liverpool, but this is a genuine 50/50 fight and will come to which man wants it most once the heat of battle is set in. Yet this is Cleverly’s fight to lose, as he should be able to take the heat out of Bellew after five to six rounds.

Terry Dooley – www.boxingscene.com

I’m going for Bellew to win as Cleverly seems to still have same flaws he had last year and hasn’t addressed them. He also seems to think he is near to world class when in reality he is 5-6 fights away from the top guys and this one itself will decide the best in Europe. Both men are still works on progress.

Chris Maylett www.britishboxers.co.uk

It is a tough one to choose a winner here, but on the spot I’d have to go with Cleverly. Bellew will always be dangerous as long or short as the fight lasts, but after over coming a few gumshield biting moments and edge of the seat exchanges I think Cleverly will go on to secure a points win. But expect anything and a few fireworks.

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