by James Slater – Unbeaten Welshman Nathan Cleverly is now ranked at number-three in the IBF light-heavyweight ratings. The 22-year-old (23 in Feb.) who already holds the British and Commonwealth titles at 175-pounds has spoken of his desire to become a world champion, yet he has made it clear he is in no immediate hurry. However, with his (vacant) European title fight with Italian Antonio Brancalion (originally set for Jan. 29th) now off and with his high rating with the IBF, could Cleverly conceivably opt to face unbeaten IBF champ Tavoris Cloud sooner than anyone expected?
Even if he sticks with his plan of first winning the European title (assuming he can get the seemingly reluctant Italian to face him), there’s a great chance Cleverly, 18-0(8) will face Florida’s Cloud sometime this year. And, as good as he’s looked thus far in his exciting pro career, could the tall-for-the-weight talent manage a win in 2010?
Cloud, a fine, all-action fighter who throws a ton of shots in every round, may not have even heard of Cleverly, and he may instead be focusing on facing next the winner of the Yusaf Mack-Glen Johnson IBF elimination bout.. But as long as he keeps on winning, thus retaining his lofty ranking with the IBF, Cleverly is sure to make Cloud’s acquaintance pretty soon. And what a clash of styles the fight would be.
28-year-old Cloud, 20-0(18) is the bigger puncher of the two, yet the 5’10” warrior is not perhaps as skilled a boxer as Cleverly. Winning the title from Britain’s Clinton Woods in a good fight, Cloud was hit a few times – with his ambition along with his speed and class, maybe Cleverly could hit him a whole lot more than Woods did?
So far, Cleverly has shown he has all the tools necessary to go all the way. Experience at the very top level aside, the exciting prospect has achieved most everything so far. He has proven he has skill, he has sucked it up and gone 12 hard rounds, he has taken some decent shots without being hurt and Cleverly has also sat down on his puncher in recent fights, proving he does hit a little harder than his record suggests, the Welshman is also a proven body puncher. And, even though a fight with Cloud would/will be the real acid test for him, I think Cleverly is up to the challenge – even right now.
Yes, Cloud is a tough nut and he is also in excellent shape every time out and seems to enjoy a good, hard fight, but I can see the taller, more naturally gifted boxer winning a hard-fought decision. Without a doubt, Cleverly is one of the most talented up-and-coming fighters we should be watching in the coming 12 months. Would it be an upset if the 23-year-old beat Cloud in his next fight or two? Yes, but not a terribly shocking one. Here’s to hoping we get to see the new wannabe star get his shot this year.