Walks Talks

Powell Confident Cleverly/Bellew will Deliver

 

A prominent figure in the careers of both WBO light-heavyweight champion, Nathan Cleverly, and domestic rival, Tony Bellew, the knowledgeable Dean Powell refuses to discuss the multiple factors that can decide where this potential mouth-watering battle can be won and lost. Instead, the veteran matchmaker has promised fans that they are in for a real treat when they clash on October 15^th at the magnificent Echo Arena.

"Cleverly v Bellew is not just a massive fight, it's a massive event for British boxing," buzzed Powell. "I'm struggling to think of a better fight that can be made in Britain at this moment in time because both of them are really top fighters. Britain hasn't seen a fight like this hit the light-heavyweight division since the days of John Conteh and that say's a lot about the quality of Cleverly and Bellew. Boxing fans can expect a quality event on October 15^th."

With the rivalry between the two simmering wonderfully, events took an explosive turn back in May when the Liverpool puncher offered to face Cleverly at two days notice following the unfortunate late withdrawal of world-class German, Jurgen Braehmer. Bellew failed to make the weight and the fight was unable to materialise but the epic press conference confrontation placed this meeting at the forefront of boxing fans' wish lists. Powell is adamant that a bout between the two was always the plan despite the press room fiasco.

"This is a fight that was always going to happen and I'm fairly confident that it would've taken place around this time no matter what happened back at the press conference. The way the business has ended up, there's no way you can make these fights wait now. The fans are demanding good fights, television is asking for the best fights and that's what we've done. We put on a classic in Liverpool in July when Kevin Mitchell beat John Murray and I'm confident that this fight will be just as good."

A member of championship class since outpointing Tony Oakey back in October 2008, Cleverly has emerged as one of British boxing's leading competitors and rich honours are expected of him by a vast number of the sport's leading experts. Wins over respectable European opposition such as Antonio Brancalion and Karo Murat have inflated the Welshman's credentials but does Powell believe that Bellew is a further step up?

"That's a really hard question to answer because there are guys who Nathan has beaten who have more experience than Tony," answered Powell. "People forget that Tony has massive experience as an amateur as he fought around the world so he does have some valuable experience that he can call on. One thing I'll say about him is that Nathan has never met a fighter who is as determined as Tony and I think the same can be said the other way around too. Both have a huge desire to win and that's what makes this so appealing."

As previously mentioned, Powell's experience has been a crucial factor in bringing both fighters to the cherished plateau that is world title boxing. Possessing a proud demeanour when observing the vicious beauty of this intriguing showdown, Powell's manner contains a genuine grief when realising that there will be a loser on October 15^th as his closeness to boxers has been demonstrated on numerous occasions throughout both fighters' careers.

 

"It really is a shame that someone has to go home without the world title because both guys mean so much to me and both are absolute winners in my opinion. I've got such a huge pride in helping both Nathan and Tony reach this level and because of my close and personal relationship with both of them it's going to seem strange watching it unfold. Chances are I'll just watch it on a monitor in one of the dressing rooms because I think the world of both of them. One thing I promise though is that fans are going to be entertained as this is a quality fight that will have people talking for years. I wish both the best of luck."