llew II - Preview
WBA Super, IBF and WBO light heavyweight
titles in Atlantic City on November 8. There is
therefore little shame in losing to such a fighter
but the questions come from Cleverly’s reaction
to that defeat.
He instantly revealed he was considering
retirement, which when aged 26 was
concerning, even though such talk was only
temporary. What wasn’t temporary, however,
was his inactivity: Cleverly didn’t fight
again until May 2014 and by then had twice
changed trainer, moved up a weight division to
cruiserweight, and switched promoters from
Frank Warren to Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn.
The change of trainer and promoter is in
many ways positive ñ it suggests a ruthlessness
in attempting to return to the top and that
Cleverly is looking at the bigger picture ñ even
if it’s difficult to judge whether he’s actually
better off. Delve a little deeper, though, and
the reality is less convincing. After taking what
must have been an extremely difficult decision
in splitting with his trainer, father Vince
Cleverly, the Welshman moved to Surrey to
work with Adam Booth, widely thought of as
the best in the UK.
DECEMBER 2014 BRAWL SPORTS 13