Friday 21 November 2014 23:24, UK
It’s been over three years in the making, but Tony Bellew finally gets the chance to put his demons to rest in a re-match with old foe Nathan Cleverly on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
In October 2011, Cleverly scored a majority decision win over Bellew, defending his old WBO light-heavyweight title, and the pair have been at each other’s throats ever since.
Now fighting a step up at cruiserweight and with no titles on the line, this is a good old-fashioned grudge match, and the bookmakers can’t separate the pair at 10/11 apiece for a win.
Considering experienced judge Terry O’Connor scored the original contest even, the 25/1 for a draw might be worth a small stake, but if Bellew is to make amends, it’s more likely to come in the form of a knockout win at 5/2.
At this weight, Bellew is the bigger man and there’s no doubt he hits harder, but the age-old theory that a proficient boxer beats a big puncher could well apply here.
As a former world champion, Cleverly is arguably a better all-round boxer than Bellew, but he might not have the power to stop him, so consider backing the Welshman to win on points at Sky Bet’s enhanced price of 11/5.
However, the 27-year-old does have a tendency to get tricked into momentary brawls, and that would play into the hands of Bellew, who has expressed an overwhelming desire to stop his nemesis.
It’s worth noting, though, that the meanest puncher in the business right now – Sergey Kovalev – is the only man to have put Cleverly on the canvas, en route to dishing out the Welshman’s only defeat in four destructive rounds.
With that in mind, perhaps Cleverly’s chin is under-rated, so it should take something special from ‘Bomber’ to floor his opponent, even at cruiserweight, though he’ll almost certainly go looking for it.
Cleverly needs to keep a cool head and box off the jab. If he can do that whilst avoiding being dragged into a slobberknocker, then he should point his way to another victory over Bellew.
As for the rest of Saturday night’s card, it’s slim pickings as far as the outright odds go, with Scott Quigg (1/20), George Groves (1/100) and Anthony Joshua (1/100) all virtually guaranteed a win in the eyes of the bookies.
For better value, perhaps picking Joshua to stop seasoned pro Michael Sprott in round three at 13/2 is the way to bet, or round four at 12/1 for those who expect a step up in opposition for the popular 25-year-old.
Watch Cleverly v Bellew II live and exclusive on Sky Sports Box Office on November 22, with Joshua, Groves, DeGale and more, also on. Go to skysports.com/cleverlybellew to book.
