On Saturday, October 1, at Jahnsportforum in Neubrandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, WBA World light heavyweight champion Juergen Braehmer (48-2, 35 KOs), from Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, defends his title against former WBO World light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly (29-3, 15 KOs), from Cefn Fforest, Wales, United Kingdom.
Braehmer hasn’t lost a fight since 2008. He turned pro in 1999 and he knocks guys out. A former EBU (European) light heavyweight champion, he won the WBO World title in 2009 and the WBA World light heavyweight title in 2013 with a win over 25-0-1 Marcus Oliveira. He has successfully defended the title six times.
Cleverly was a celebrated amateur. He is a former Commonwealth (British Empire), BBBofC British, and EBU light heavyweight champion. “Clev” won the WBO World light heavyweight title in 2011 and defended the belt four times before being crushed by Sergey Kovalev in 2013.
It was his first defeat. He had lost his title. He had lost his aura of invincibility.
Cleverly has lost three of his last six fights. He needs a win. If the win comes at Braehmer’s expense, well, so much the better.
“This fight is my destiny,” said Cleverly. “Juergen is a world-class boxer. But Juergen is 38. Juergen has been fantastic for German boxing but he has served as a figurehead for German boxing long enough. Hopefully this fight will mark the end of his career. It’s time for a young lion to come and rip that title from him. It’s time for the young lion to kill its prey.
“This is the fight I’ve been waiting for, a street dog fight. I was world champion before and I will be world champion again.”
Defeating Braehmer won’t be easy. He doesn’t appear to be slowing down. He is aging like fine wine. He is aging like a fine champion.
“I’m very happy this fight is finally happening,” said Braehmer. “Nathan Cleverly is a great boxer. He has an offensive style and a high work-rate, which I’m sure will make for an entertaining night for the fans in Neubrandenburg. Of course, every fight is a challenge, but I believe Nathan will provide me with one of the biggest challenges of my career. However, together with my coach Conny Mittermeier, I will leave no stone unturned, and on October 1, my hand will be raised and the belt will remain around my waist.”
Not if Nathan Cleverly has anything to say about it.
“Getting Braehmer into a boxing ring with me has been difficult but here we are and I’m looking to take it with both hands,” he told Sky Sports News.
“I feel more mature now. I’m 29 and more mature mentally and physically. I feel in a better place and I’m ready for chapter two in my career.
“It’s too big an opportunity, this. There were a few options on the table but this is the one I want. The world title on the line, Braehmer with history, five years in the making. I just felt this fight needed to happen.
“I was confident five years ago of defeating Braehmer, but I would say I’m more confident now.”
This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.
