Cleverly vs. Murat: Is Nathan looking past Murat?
Written By: Armando Paz
The recent shake up in the Light Heavyweight division due to the events in Montreal have opened up the division to many prospects. Before Dawson losing to Pascal, he was perceived as the king of the division and was going to unite all the titles. Nathan Cleverly (19-0 13 KO’s) who is two wins away from becoming a light heavyweight himself took notice of that fight. Cleverly is already talking about a possible unification match with Pascal in 2011. It is admirable that he wants to unify titles, but he first must take care of the business at hand. Cleverly will fight Karo Murat (22-0 13 KO’s) on September 18 in the LG Arena in Birmingham as part of Frank Warren’s Magnificent 7 event that also will feature the European middleweight title match between Matthew Macklin (26-2 18 KO’s) vs. Darren Barker (22-0 14 KO’s), and the British welterweight title between Kell Brook (21-0 14 KO’s) vs. Michael Jennings (36-2 17 KO’s).
Cleverly must win his match against Murat in the WBO eliminator to get a shot at German based WBO champion Juergen Braehmer (36-2 29 KO’s). Interestingly, most observers feel confidently that the winner between Cleverly and Murat will have no major problems with the WBO champion. This is why the September 18 fight is seen almost as a precursor for the inevitable new WBO champion. But sometimes this type of thinking is often what results in upsets and Cinderella stories. This is why it is concerning to think that Cleverly is already thinking about unifying titles when he still needs two big wins before he can unify titles.
If you look at the stylistic match up between Cleverly and Murat, then things point to the favor of Cleverly. Cleverly is faster, taller, and has a major reach advantage. In addition, it is important to note that Cleverly is getting much better with each fight and most notably in the power department. Cleverly has won his last 6 fights by stoppage after capturing the Commonwealth title. He has looked rather impressive in his victory capturing the European title against Antonio Bracalion and his prior match with Courtney Frye. The new found power has given an added dimension to his repertoire. Cleverly in many ways is trying to get out of the shadows of fellow Welsh fighter Joe Calzaghe; who he often fought as his undercard. This is possibly why he is eager to fight out of the UK and talks about unifying titles early in his career.
Karo Murat’s biography is one for inspiration. He was born in Iraq and comes from Armenian heritage. His style is reminiscent of fellow German fighter Arthur Abraham, with less power. Murat keeps his guard high and picks his spots when to fire. The amount of power he has is up for debate. It seems that Murat had more power as a Super Middleweight and may have lost some in stepping up as a Light Heavyweight. Cleverly will likely not take any risks testing that power. I expect Cleverly to use that laser left jab while throwing combinations to the body, and using lateral movement to get out of danger. If Murat throws a lazy left jab then expect Cleverly to counter with solid right crosses. I think Murat’s real hope is to fight in close quarters and try to fight on the inside. He also will likely go to the body often to try to slow Cleverly down. I think both fighters have solid chins and will be suprised if there is a knockout in the fight. But Murat being the visitor may try to seek one in order to get the victory.
The events of Montreal have opened up the Light Heavyweight divsion. There are currently four champions Jean Pascal (WBC), Tavoris Cloud (21-0 18 KO’s) (IBF), Beibut Shumenov (10-1 6 KO’s) (WBA), and Juergen Braehmer (WBO). It is fully anticipated that the winner of Cleverly-Murat will soon join that company. But before that happens they can’t look past each other and think about the WBO title. This is why the September 18 match is called WBO eliminator and not a title match, but with the implications at stake it will be compelling drama to watch.
He is a clever boy after all, so i think he will be switched on enough not to look past his next opponent in a detremental way. I think nathan is an excellent prospect, can wait to see the difference that finishing his degree and boxing full time will make.
On the back of the last fight, he isn’t ready for Dawson or Pascal and I don’t think he will be in a year which is what he’s recently come out and he’d like.
Don’t get me wrong I think he’s a tremendous propect and in time capable of taking on the elite of the divison and winning but he’s yet to prove himself at World level let alone the elite.
He’s been part-time and believes there be huge improvement now he’s fully concentrated on boxing.
But, he still far from the finished article – he’s young and growing into his frame, he’s inexperienced – his power needs to come on (which should do) as he’s hits his physical peak over the next few years.
I don’t see what the rush is as he’s very young.
Murat is World level, he’s already beaten former World Champion Campillio, so this is a dangerous fight for Cleverly.
My concern about this fight is Murat is a proven 12 round fighter – I hope Cleverly doesn’t load up on everything and risk punching himself out – which I felt he did slightly against McIntosh.
His Dad always correctly advised him – don’t look for the knockout, box and if it comes it comes.
Sound advise and I hope the needle and occasion doesn’t make Cleverly lose his discipline and get wild leaving his chin exposed and expending too much energy.
Pacing himself is vital.
Murat throws wild hooks and haymakers and can punch.
Cleverly hopefully break him down maintaining a good defence and look to take him if possible in the second half the fight.
I want him to show his class.
I’d like to see him (providing he beats Murat – and Brahmer if needed) taking on a Johnson and Henry or Diacanou to get that experience and put into practice what he’s working on in the gym in real fight situations.
If he wins those – go for Cloud in a unification if he’s still champion, who i feel is not as good as Dawson or Pscal but a barometer of where you are.
If you win that – then you’d be ready for anyone.
Hed 2/3 years from now and hitting his physical peak, confidence peak and experience will be there.
If he rushes, I think he’ll fall short and I say this as one his biggest fans.
You go making the kind of mistakes he’s making against Brancalion against a Dawson or Pascal and they’re going to punish you unforgivingly.
He can go to sleep in front his opponent at times, instead moving he can throw lazy weak flurries and if he thinks defence against those is staying in front of them but putting your hands up to cover your head, will be do then I’m worried.
Obviously, he’s been part-time, so these are you’d expect and now’s he’s full time he should eradicate but, defence is movement – upper body and legs, where you place your head when you land a shot, to make sure you don’t get hit back.
Step off to the side and pocket when you land and don’t stay there!
I’ve noticed Cleverly can instead moving an opponent tactically be too reactionery.
All things that in time he should become tactically more astute but I don’t think he’ll be there in a year from now.
Agree with most – huge talent and prospect but please, patience….
You’re young – why the rush, hit your peak in every department before going for the elite