AHEAD of Welshman Nathan Cleverly’s visit to Germany this Saturday (October 1) to take on home favourite Juergen Braehmer, British light-heavyweight title contender Frank Buglioni has had his say on the intriguing and long-anticipated 175lb clash:
“I had the pleasure of sparring Nathan a couple of years back, and have been an admirer of his ability ever since. I think the Braehmer fight is a chance for Nathan to really shine. He is certainly up against it; fighting in Braehmer’s backyard. However, as the considerably younger and fresher of the two, I’m opting for a Cleverly win on points. To achieve this, he’ll need to keep the pace high, keep pumping out the jab and not let Braehmer set into a rhythm.
“I think if Nathan maintains discipline and uses his boxing skills, he can go and get the win. I think Braehmer – the heavier handed of the two – will look to manoeuvre Cleverly onto his back hand and set up power shots. Braehmer, at 5ft 11 1/2ins, will be giving away height and reach to Cleverly, so therefore will want to close the distance and work on the inside. Cleverly, who is adept at fighting on the inside, will need to choose his times to trade and then get back on the jab, not mixing it for too long. If he gets drawn into a close-quarters brawl, then it’s Braehmer’s fight – possibly a late stoppage. If Cleverly mixes his pace, rhythm and distance, then I believe he’ll walk away with the points victory.”
