Monday 10 November 2014 14:55, UK
Nathan Cleverly admits Tony Bellew has greater punching power, but insists his speed will be crucial in next month’s rematch.
The Welshman is preparing for his cruiserweight showdown with Bellew at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on November 22, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
There has been a heated war of words in the build-up to the fight, with the Liverpudlian vowing to halt his rival in the return bout after his 2011 points loss against the former WBO light-heavyweight champion.
Both boxers have racked up 14 stoppage wins, but Bellew, a former amateur heavyweight, is the naturally bigger man.
Cleverly concedes that his opponent is the more dangerous puncher, but plans to display his superior speed, fitness and ring skills when they resume hostilities.
“I will win this fight because overall I’m a much better athlete than Tony Bellew,” he told Sky Sports.
“As I’ve said, he’s too fat and too slow. Speed kills and that’s going to be the difference on fight night.
“I would say - being honest - Bellew has the edge in power.
“He’s naturally the bigger puncher, but that’s his only asset that’s better than mine.
“My assets – I’m faster than this guy, fitter than this guy, I’ve got more punch variation than this guy and overall I’ve have too many tools for this guy.”
Nathan Cleverly and Tony Bellew will come face-to-face again on this Thursday's Ringside on Sky Sports 1 at 6pm.
