Juergen Braehmer’s promoter Kalle Sauerland has explained Nathan Cleverly remains a “logical” opponent despite the blighted history between the fighters.
Cleverly will finally challenge for Braehmer's WBA light-heavyweight title on October 1, live on Sky Sports, after five years of wrangling that saw two scheduled fights cancelled due to injuries to both men.
Sauerland has now revealed the recent developments that led to the fight being agreed for a third time.
He exclusively told Sky Sports: "We tried to make Adonis Stevenson-Braehmer but that wasn't going to happen. We were told we would have to fight Sergey Kovalev so we were ready to do that. Then we were told there was a mandatory.
"For me, the next logical opponent was Andrzej Fonfara or Cleverly."
Welshman Cleverly lost a unanimous decision to Fonfara last October having previously ended up on the wrong end of a split decision against Tony Bellew up at cruiserweight, but as a former world champion his stock has not dropped in the eyes of Sauerland.
The promoter insists that the cursed history between Braehmer (48-2 KO35) and Cleverly (29-3 KO15) makes their upcoming bout more intriguing than ever.
"It's a fight people have wanted to see for five years," he said. "Obviously, Cleverly isn't a world champion anymore but the interest hasn't gone anyway.
"It's one that we've tried many, many times to make. I'm delighted because it's a fight that's been on, it's been off, it's been on, it's been off.
"The styles will be fascinating to watch - both very strong, technical fighters. I think Juergen will edge it on the power side, and that will be the deciding factor on the evening, but we'll see."