Nathan Cleverly turned in a classy performance in lifting the vacant European light-heavyweight title at The Wembley arena tonight, stopping former champion, Italian Antonio Brancalion in the round 5th round.
Cleverly still only 22, come of age tonight in dismantling a very capable Brancalion, who at times proved tricky and caught the Welshman with some good shots early on giving Cleverly something to think about.
When Cleverly did suss out Brancalion, it was only a matter of time that his big right hands that were bouncing off his head, were eventually going to have the desired effect, even though Brancalion play acted to try and kid Cleverly into thinking he wasn’t hurt.
Cleverly’s bombs did hurt Brancalion at the end of the fourth round, dropping the Italian with a good right hand on the bell, the referee gave him a count, and on shaky legs, Brancalion headed back to his corner, but it looked only a matter of time that Cleverly would catch up to him.
Cleverly continued to do damage with the right in the fifth and the fight was stopped midway through the round, adding the European belt to his British and Commonwealth crowns, opening the door to a world title fight.
It was Cleverly’s sixth successive knockout from his un-beaten 19 career victories, Cleverly is looking like a world beater already, in what is a reletivley short career as a professional.
“I think it was mature performance, I decided to take my time and pick my shots and it was quite a quick finish as Brancalion is a tough guy,” said Cleverly.
“I need a bit more patience before I move up to world level and this is a good platform for me.
“My power is increasing and I’m developing all the time thanks to my step up in weight.”
It ends a good week for Cleverly who having passed his math’s exams at university, certainly had Branalion’s number tonight becoming the seventh Welshman to hold all three belts.
Cleverly moves upto 6th place in our pound for pound British Rankings.
Fan’s of the Nathan Cleverly fan Club on Facebook, were quick to offer there congratulations to the Welsh star.
Helen Marshall “Very impressive fight. The most exciting I’ve seen for a while”.
Dai Williams “Nice 1 clev!!!! Good work Nath, Vince and everyone else involved!!”
Neil Southey “Another title in the bag!!!! Great display tonight. Well done Wales is proud of you”
Damian Flynn “Sheer strength and class performance against the tough Antonio Branocalion. A joy to watch, good luck with your final exams and look forward to your next showing”
Kevin Mitchell is not Hanging about Londoner Kevin Mitchell moved a step closer to a world title shot with a stunning second-round knockout of Colombian Ignacio Mendoza
Mitchell is closing in on a fight for the WBO world lightweight title, expected to be given up by Juan Manuel Marquez, which will allow Mitchell to fight tough Australian Michael Katsidis
Mitchell looking to continue where he left off, after a career best win in his last fight, when he impressively dismantled Breidis Prescott, another Columbian and the man who knocked out Amir Khan.
After a cagey first round where both fighters were feeling each other out, it was Mitchell whose feelers seemed to find the right way when midway through the 2nd round he unleashed a cracking left hook on Mendoza
Mitchell is proving himself to be one of British Boxing’s major players and on this form will be a danger to the world lightweights including British champion John Murray.
Katsidis (pictured right) himself is a handful of a fighter and will be a hard test for the Londoner to over come and realising his dream of being a world champion, but on this form it’s the Australian who will be losing sleep.
Frank Warren says he has 28 days to make that fight.
DeGale marches on
Olympic Gold Medallist James DeGale improved his record in the pro ranks to 6 wins from 6 fights. DeGale looking to sit on his punches more in this fight, was too much for Matthew Barr who was in over his depth here, being stopped in the 2nd round by DeGale to the pleasure of his home town fans.
Frankie goes the distance Frankie Gavin (pictured left) continued the impressive start to his career as a professional with his six straight win, a six-round points decision victory over Irishman Peter McDonagh.
Other results on the card
Derek Chisora TKO 2 Carl Baker
Jamie Cox won points 8 Michael Frontin
Liam Walsh won TKO 4 Sid Razak
Ryan Walsh won points 6 Ian Bailey
Jamie Cox won points 8 Michael Frontin
Liam Walsh won TKO 4 Sid Razak
Ryan Walsh won points 6 Ian Bailey
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