By Altaf Mubarik
Nathan Cleverly looked focused and in good spirits at his ‘Magnificent Seven’ press conference on Wednesday. He will be facing undefeated Karo Murat in an eliminator for the WBO light heavyweight title on Saturday, the 18th of September at the LG Arena in Birmingham.
This is the first time in the pro ranks that Nathan has fully focused on a fight without having to juggle his studies with training, given that he successfully completed his Mathematics degree in July. He said, “I’ve had more time to concentrate on training and I’m more focused than ever.”
There have been rumors flying around that this fight could end up being for the full WBO world title given the problems Juergen Braehmer has had outside the ring, but there has been no confirmation of this.
Karo Murat was described as a “Tough come forward fighter who will try to give Nathan the toughest fight of his life” by Richard Maynard (head of PR for Frank Warren Promotions). Nathan stated that, “Regardless of whether the world title is on the line, this is my world title fight. There will be two undefeated fighters in the ring and my undefeated record will remain intact.”
Boxingscene asked Karo as to how well he has adapted since his jump from super-middleweight to light-heavyweight given that he has only had three fights at this weight. Karo claimed that, “This was the best move I’ve ever made. I feel great at this weight”.
When asked about travelling to the UK to fight he said, “I have traveled to many countries to fight in the past. I have fought in Switzerland, Russia, Spain, Austria and many other locations. It’s no problem for me because I am used to it.”
Karo told Boxingscene that he is good friends with former middleweight world champion Arthur Abraham. “Me and Arthur are good friends and I have sparred with him in the past. It’s very unfortunate that his fight against Froch had to be postponed,” he revealed.
Karo also gave me an insight in to Froch’s Polish ancestry, which I most certainly did not expect; he said “did you know Froch’s ancestors are from Poland? Someone told me this.” Well, you learn something new every day!
Once again Boxingscene’s good friend Jon Pegg was in attendance at the press conference and he took Karo to train at Al Stevenson’s new state of the art gym at Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham immediately after the press conference.
Nathan Cleverly initially started off as a young light-middleweight and has since moved up to light heavyweight. He was asked whether we will possibly see him move up to cruiserweight and possibly heavyweight one day ala David Haye, given that he is still only 23 years old. Nathan responded by saying, “Why not. I’ve got the height and a big frame. I could possibly fill out even more but for the time being I want to rule the light heavyweight division”
Karo added: “I have no respect for Nathan. I am very confident because I have had very good preparation and have trained very hard. I am sure I will win the fight.”
Boxingscene asked Nathan as to who he has been sparring and he said, “I have had good sparring with the likes of Leon Williams who is a compact come-forward fighter. I have also sparred with Darren McDermott.” He was also asked to make a prediction for the fight and he gave a quick response, “KO!”
Karo was also asked to predict the outcome, he said, “I will show it in the ring. I will see what Cleverly has to offer and I will do my talking with my fists in the ring.”
Boxingscene also asked Nathan as to where he would like to fight for the world title if he is successful on Saturday night. “First of all I’m very happy to be here in Birmingham and I would like to have my next fight anywhere in the UK. My last seven fights have been in the UK,” admitted Cleverly. I then asked him whether he would be willing to travel outside the UK for a world title shot and he replied, “Definitely. Wherever Frank Warren wants me to fight I will fight.”
Tickets for the Magnificent Seven are priced at £40, £50, £80, £150 and £200 and are available from:
LG Arena
0844 338 8000
Ticketmaster
0844 844 0444
See Tickets
0871 220 0260
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