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."

Dodson Ready for Stubbs Test


The never-ending career of Garston's Tony Dodson returns to championship class once again on October 8th at Liverpool's Greenbank Sports Centre as he battles for the vacant IBO International light-heavyweight title against Oldham's Darren Stubbs.
Since relocating to Oliver Harrison's thriving Salford base last year, Dodson has moved a weight north and looked back to his impressive best when reaching the Prizefighter final in January. A consistent recipient of several facial lacerations throughout his thirteen year career, it was a dreadful cut that prevented him from further glory when he was ruled out of a final showdown with Travis Dickinson.
"It was a bad cut and unfortunately it meant that I couldn't go on and win the trophy," spoke Dodson. "It wasn't meant to be for me that night but I'm grateful that I've been given this opportunity because it means I can get back to where I want to be. This IBO title can bring good things for me and once I've won it against Stubbs, I'll be looking to add more titles to this one."
Despite participating in a career that has contained many twists and turns, Dodson maintains that he is in "a good place both physically and mentally." With a dependable home life mirroring a steady training routine, the "Garston Warrior" is now ready to make his stay at the Championship Inn a lengthy one.
"There's so much unfinished business with me and boxing," revealed Dodson. "The way I see it, I should have a Lonsdale belt to keep and I certainly think I was good enough to fight for a European title. Unfortunately, things weren't meant to be and that's why I'm here trying to get my way towards a British belt once again. I'm 31 now but I feel like I'm 21 because the move to light-heavy has been the best thing to ever happen to me."
With the showdown with Stubbs lurking on the imminent horizon, Dodson's focus is firmly fixed on the pale Mancunian veteran. With Nathan Cleverly and Tony Bellew vying for domestic supremacy at world championship level at 175lb, Dodson admits that his options following the Stubbs showdown could be aimed close to home.
"There are rumours that Tony Quigley could be returning at light-heavyweight once he's recovered from his injury and if that's the case then I'd love to do it one more time with him. That was a great fight last time and I owe Tony a little revenge. Courtney Fry is also making a return but he's a really close friend of mine, there's no way that fight could ever happen. For the meantime, I just want to deal with Stubbs and then I'll sit down and look what's out there."

 

Butler Preparing Well for New Season

 

 

Possessing a glowing reputation as a premier prospect in boxing's tiniest division, Ellesmere Port's Paul Butler is the owner of a massive thirst that will only be quenched when he is fighting for titles on a regular basis. With his 4^th professional outing fast approaching, the former Vauxhall Motors standout is craving the paid experience which will ensure the inevitable championship contests are bouts he is adequately prepared for.

"That's the biggest difference between me and the leading fighters, they've all got a lot more experience," opined Butler. "I'm training really well at the moment and the sparring I'm doing is really top class. I've been sparring some of the best guys around since my first day as a pro and that's given me a lot of confidence because I'm more than handling myself."

With a perfect three fight ledger featuring the signatures of the lower weight's cast of usual suspects, Butler's approach to his new surroundings has been thus far. With Delroy Spencer set to be his next target on September 17^th, the Anthony Farnell student is only prepared to concede experience to the veteran campaigner.

"It looks like it's going to be me against Delroy this Saturday and he's someone that I'm not going to take lightly. He hasn't got many wins on his record but he's a survivor and he knows his way around the ring as well as anybody. He's a really experienced guy and not many stop him so it's good chance for me to really test myself against someone who's used to going the distance. Everything has gone to plan in the gym and I'm looking forward to getting in there and showing people what I can do."

With Butler's preparations coinciding with the announcement of a Super-Flyweight Prizefighter event, the Merseyside youngster was quick to dismiss himself from various forum rumours that he was set to take part. With the tournament format sometimes providing a platform for career elevation, Butler is insistent that his own talent will propel him to more privileged plateau.

"Prizefighter was something that I heard about but in all honesty it's not for me," declared Butler. "I've seen some of the names going in but it didn't appeal to me one bit. I'm certain I'm going to get to be fighting for titles based on my own ability so I'll just keep taking my time and get there when I'm good and ready. My style would've worked well for Prizefighter because I was a good amateur but I'll get to where I want to be in the end."

With the domestic boxing season handing out regular treats every single weekend now, Butler can expect to remain busy from now until business winds down next summer. Loving life at "Arnie's" Gym in Oldham, the buzzing prospect is off the mark rapidly when discussing his relationship with his enthusiastic mentor.

"Arnie's the right man for me and I'm still learning so much from him every single day," revealed Butler. "It was quite a sickener for the gym to lose two talents like Frankie [Gavin] and Bomber [Bellew] but from a selfish point of view I suppose that means it's better for me as I can get more of my trainer's time and attention. We're working on new stuff all the time and he's bringing the best out of me every day. I've just got to keep learning, get a little bit more experience and I'll be ready for the step up."

Scouse Duo Aiming for Prizefighter Glory

 

The new domestic boxing season is now two weeks old but the first local involvement occurs this Thursday evening when Liverpool pair, Nick Quigley and Steve Harkin, take part in Prizefighter's latest instalment which is being held at light-middleweight and will take place at Bethnal Green's York Hall. Both young fighters are still in the prospect stage of their respective careers but each believes they have the right formula to emerge from the capital with the coveted Prizefighter trophy.

"This tournament is definitely one that I feel that I can have a lot of success in," buzzed a confident Quigley. "I go forward quite a lot and I'm always aiming to be the aggressor but that doesn't mean that I'm not a good boxer. I've been working on a little more technical stuff in the gym so if the time comes when I need to adjust, I'll be able to make the change quickly. I've got a similar style to some previous winners and I've got the stamina to last all night so I just want to get in there now."

Equally determined is the Stockbridge Village based boxer. "Preparations for Prizefighter have been a little different than usual but I'm feeling fresh," buzzed Harkin. "The sparring has been a little more fast-paced and we've been doing a lot more rounds than usual against a different range of guys but that's exactly what it's going to be like on the night. With no draw this time around, you really do have to be prepared for anything."

With the privileged Prizefighter platform providing gloried opportunities for a number of our region's fighters, both Quigley and Harkin know that success in the shortened format of their sport can provide a lot more riches than the £32k prize that goes to the winner. Both share the same title aspirations that have greeted many a Prizefighter winner before them.

"Obviously, it's got to be some kind of title shot that is my motivation for winning this," revealed Harkin. "I'm in this sport to win titles and winning Prizefighter is a good way to get recognised and to get your name into the title mix. I'm only used to four and six rounders but I know I'm more than capable of stepping up a level. Hopefully Prizefighter will give me the chance to do that."

Like Harkin, Quigley is also using the popular tournament as an ideal path to fast-track himself to the prestigious heights of championship class. With elder brother, Tony, a former Lonsdale titlist and younger sibling, John, being tipped for great things, Nick is extremely optimistic that he can play a significant part in his family's success story.

"Like every boxer, I want to be fighting for titles against good names," declared the unbeaten Kirkby prospect. "Winning Prizefighter has done so much for other fighters and there's no reason why I can't be doing the same. I firmly believe that I'm going to go in there and come away with the trophy because everything has just gone so well. If that happens then I'll be sitting down with my dad and the rest of my team and deciding what the next step is but for now I've got to think about Thursday."

Prizefighter: The Light-Middleweights can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 from 8pm on Thursday September 15th

Bellew:  I'll Break Cleverly's Heart

 

The Mazy streets of Liverpool City Centre are seldom muted. In the remote passage of time that separates the bustle of a vibrant nightlife from the formality of a standard workday, this concrete network contains a significant silence that is only broken by wayward revellers or unsociable employees. For the next six weeks, this hushed environment will welcome a new addition as Tony Bellew transforms himself into a creature of the night as he prepares for his date with destiny against WBO light-heavyweight champion, Nathan Cleverly.

With three daily training sessions occupying the majority of Bellew's hectic schedule, the former three-time ABA champion is leaving no stone unturned as he prepares to do battle with a domestic rival he has stalked intently since handing his cherished Rotunda vest back four years ago. Reunited with past amateur mentors Mark Quinn and Mick McAllister, a focused Bellew is insistent that his all-British clash with Cleverly is just the beginning in terms of global glory.

"Mark my words. October 15^th is going to be a special day on Merseyside because I'm leaving the Echo Arena with Nathan Cleverly's title," promised Bellew. "People need to remember that back in May, I was willing to get in the ring with him at two days notice with only a couple of week's training in the bank. That goes to show just how confident I am that I've got his number. Whether it's two days or two months notice, no matter what happens when we both get in that ring, I'm walking out with his undefeated record and his world title."

Bellew's quest to Cleverly is a lengthy voyage that stems a lot further then their fiery confrontation that greeted a substantial Sky Sports News audience back in spring. Both confident combatants shared undercard vacancies in the adolescent portions of their respective careers but it was the man from Wales who entered championship class first when he defeated a game Tony Oakey at Everton Park Sports Centre back in October 2008. Bellew occupied the undercard that night outpointing Latvian import, Jevgenijs Andrevejs. Three years on, the popular Evertonian co-owns top billing alongside his nemesis.

"This is the moment I've been waiting for my entire career," buzzed an eager Bellew. "Fighting for a world title in my own backyard against an undefeated champion is the stuff that dreams are made of and all my dreams are going to come true when I leave him cold in the ring. I've watched him and studied him for so long because I always knew this fight was going to happen. I've sat ringside when he's fought the likes of Oakey and [Karo] Murat and I've prayed that he just kept on winning because I want to be the man that takes his zero."

A frequent visitor to Liverpool throughout his career Cleverly has received warm welcomes from the knowledgeable patrons of a thriving fight scene due to his admirable achievements and exciting style. Against Bellew, you can be certain his reception will be unlike anything he has witnessed before. The 16-0 Scouse challenger is adamant that the partisan support should be the least of Cleverly's concerns.

 

 

"It's going to send a chill down my spine when I hear ten thousand supporters urging me to take his crown away but Nathan shouldn't be worried about the crowd. He needs to prepare himself for what's going to hit him once that bell goes and I'm walking through everything he's got. He can smirk to himself during the ringwalk when the crowd are booing but once the action starts I promise I'll wipe that smile off his face when I take his belt and break his heart."

 

 

A Scouse invasion is set to hit Chester's Northgate Arena on April 2^nd as Liverpool's Derry Mathews competes for the vacant WBF lightweight title against local favourite Chris Goodwin. Mathews, who had been hoping to take on Ryan Barrett in a British title eliminator, is refusing to underestimate his opponent despite the vast gap in experience.

"I'm on a good run of form at the moment and I sense something big is just around the corner," beamed an excited Mathews. "There's plenty of big title fights out there for me at lightweight so it's important that I remain focused and do a good job against Goodwin. He's got a decent record but he's nowhere near mixed with the class that I have. I'm extremely confident that he's not going to ruin my future plans."

Joining Mathews on the Chester showcase is former amateur foe, Nick MacDonald, who has his first outing in two years following personal issues outside of the ring. MacDonald has been retuning his craft under the watchful eye of DaveTonks, and his mentor is highly optimistic of how far his charge can go.

"Nick's got all the tools to be world class," buzzed Tonks. "Some of the stuff he's doing in the gym is frightening and I'd have no hesitation throwing him in with [British Champion] Stuart Hall in a couple more fights. He's been out a long time and we just want to get a bit of rust off, a couple of six rounders then we'll be ready for anyone in Britain."

Also confirmed to be on the undercard is Stockbridge Village's Rocky Fielding, Croxteth's John Donnelly and the return of Graham Delehedy.

Last year saw both John Watson and Steve Williams flirt agonisingly close with the prestigious Lonsdale belt. Huyton's Watson was bravely stopped by the vastly experienced Welshman Gavin Rees, whilst the Wallasey man was withdrawn by his corner after suffering brutal lacerations against Morden Buzzsaw, Lenny Daws.

This weekend sees both proud pugilists step back into the ring as they plot their route back to title glory. Watson is handed an immediate crack at redemption as he challenges Anthony Crolla for the vacant British lightweight strap, and Williams' return is over a lesser distance as he goes up against Charlie King over eight rounds. Now a part of Dave Tonks' rapidly expanding stable of fighters, Williams is desperate to return to the forefront of domestic honours and his new coach believes he has the necessary tools to succeed there.

"Stevie's a real good kid in the gym and he pays a lot of attention to what I'm trying to teach him," spoke Tonks of his newest recruit. "He was so close to becoming British champion against Daws and all he relied on in that fight was hard work and aggression. I've been brushing his skills up and got him using feints and more jabs, I've also been concentrating a lot on his head movement too. Stevie's a real fit lad and going the distance is not a problem, I just want him to get a little sharper and work on the things that will come in useful against the better fighters."

Since relocating to Tonks' City Centre base, Williams has been enjoying regular sparring with a host of decorated names. Only last week, London's Ashley Theopane, who challenges Daws this month, was in the opposite corner to the Wirral boxer and Tonks spoke highly of their gruelling exchanges.

"The action was of the highest order," revealed Tonks. "Ashley spent two days here and the spars were really great to watch. People forget that Williams has only had a few bouts so he's still got so much to learn. I know he's fought for the British title but that opportunity was one that had to be taken and he almost pulled it off. Theopane has twice the experience of Stevie and has spent a lot of time over in the States sparring big names and pushing top prospects; for Stevie to be holding his own against him shows how much this kid has to offer."