Panel: Braehmer-Cleverly predictions

Nathan Cleverly could be crowned world champion for the second time if he comes out on top against WBA light-heavyweight holder Juergen Braehmer, so as ever, The Panel have given us their final predictions. Age, timing and of course, the judging all crop up…

Carl Froch

As far as his boxing goes, I think Braehmer can punch a bit, box a bit and he does most things well and is no mug. But he is a bit one-paced and tends to leap in, mostly with the jab and sometimes with the head, which Cleverly needs to be vigilant of. 

But the German does lose his shape as he tires and I think that will be a big advantage for Cleverly, who is a very busy fighter. He needs to work hard and set the tempo to win the rounds and he will need to win them clearly. I am 100 per cent behind him and I do think Cleverly deserves to win but is likely to end up losing a majority decision. Read into that whatever you will…

Spencer Oliver

At this stage of Cleverly’s career, this is a hard, hard ask. Maybe only hardcore fight fans know Braehmer well but he’s only lost two out of 50 and to become the third, Cleverly has to have a phenomenal work-rate and I am not sure he has still got that in him. 

He’s got to take him out of his comfort zone and just keep pressing forward and I honestly think the old Cleverly would’ve beaten him – especially if it was over here. If he can wind back the years he can do it but that is a big ‘if’. I am leaning towards Braehmer on points. 

Matthew Macklin

Braehmer is a very good southpaw boxer-puncher, who is well-schooled and technically sound. He is 37 but Cleverly isn’t the freshest …

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