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Photos Courtesy: Richard Maynard/Frank Warren Promotions
Kovalev: 173 lbs.
Cleverly: 174 lbs.
Prediction: This may go down as a Fight of Year contender. We have the perfect recipe in a devastating puncher matched against a physically strong pressure fighter. This one will be decided by two factors — chin and stamina. If Cleverly can take Kovalev’s power, I can envision him wearing down the Russian and getting a late stoppage, as he’s the better inside fighter. If not, Kovalev likely makes this a short night by walking down Cleverly in brutal fashion. It’s a 50-50 fight and while Cleverly had a good experience edge (especially in rounds), I just have a hunch Kovalev’s power (and underrated accuracy in exchanges) will be too much. TKO6 KOVALEV is my pick. Make sure you don’t miss this one.
Saturday’s HBO Boxing After Dark® telecast begins at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 