Nathan Cleverly claims he fought Tony Bellew with a broken rib – Boxing news
Nathan Cleverly, who is the current World Boxing Organisation light heavyweight world champion, has claimed he fought the reigning Commonwealth light heavyweight champion, Tony Bellew, with a broken rib.
The 24-year-old undefeated Welsh pugilist, who holds a perfect record of winning all of his 23 professional fights, with 11 of his wins coming by the way of a knockout, fought Tony ‘the Wavertree Bomber’ Bellew last Saturday on October 15, at the Liverpool Echo Arena in Merseyside, England.
Though it was a much-anticipated domestic grudge fight, Cleverly revealed he had a broken rib before he stepped in the ring with his bitter rival Bellew.
Cleverly, who secured a majority decision over Bellew, in his exclusive interview told Box Nation that he sustained the injury while he was sparring with Sam Sexton prior to the bout. Cleverly stated he was told by everyone to pull himself out but he decided to gamble, as he knew his fight already got postponed.
Cleverly said to Box Nation, “I had a week of sparring back home planned with heavyweight Sam Sexton which I had to cancel because I could not take a shot to the rib – I was in so much pain. I saw the doctor and the physio and they both said the only thing was rest. My dad, girlfriend, [Groves' trainer] Adam Booth and Groves – who had been there when it happened – were the only ones who knew. And I also told Frank Warren. I gave it a couple of days and in the end I said, ‘bugger it – let’s gamble on him not throwing any body shots with the left’.”
Cleverly, who after 12 rounds was awarded with scores of 117-112, 116-113 and 114-114, now wants to unify the division and for that reason he has set up his sights on a super-fight with the American legend, Bernard Hopkins, who is the current World Boxing Council and The Ring Light Heavyweight Champion.
Hopkins on the other hand, after having controversial ending with Chad Dawson, wants to prove himself by beating Dawson. However, let’s see if Cleverly sets up a clash with Hopkins, as their bout will certainly attract a lot of people.
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