Braehmer vs Cleverly: Everything you need to know about Juergen Braehmer

By James Dielhenn

Image: Juergen Braehmer is a two-time world champion from Germany

Juergen Braehmer will put his WBA light-heavyweight title on the line against Nathan Cleverly this weekend, live on Sky Sports. But what do we know about the German champion?

Hasn't he already fought Cleverly?

Almost, but no. They were scheduled to fight in 2011 for Braehmer's WBO light-heavyweight belt, but the champ withdrew. Cleverly inherited the title and defended it five times, including against Tony Bellew.

A year ago, rumours resurfaced about Braehmer vs Cleverly but the Welshman opted to face Andrzej Fonfara instead.

Image: Juergen Braehmer (left) and Nathan Cleverly

So Braehmer has held the WBO and WBA titles?

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That's right, which proves he's pretty handy. He lost his first world title fight against Argentina's Hugo Hernan Garay for the WBA belt in 2008, but a year later he beat Aleksy Kuziemski for the interim WBO which was soon upgraded to the full title.

Image: Enzo Maccarinelli (right) was handed a gruesome eye injury in defeat to Braehmer

After he was stripped by the WBO for withdrawing against Cleverly, he went on to become WBA champion by defeating America's Marcus Oliveira three years ago. He has held that title ever since.

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Sounds like Braehmer is better than ever...

Perhaps. He has successfully defended the WBA title six times, including notable wins against Enzo Maccarinelli and Robin Krasniqi. But Braehmer is 37 now…

Getting old then...

The hope for Cleverly is that he's challenging Braehmer at the perfect time. The Welshman is 29, with the experience of high-profile world title fights under his belt. Braehmer, at 37, can't go on forever.

Braehmer is 48-2 - that's a lot of fighting…

He's been professional since 1999 and, with the exception of enforced absences, has been pretty active.

He's never fought in Britain, has he?

Braehmer has only fought outside of his native Germany once, in 50 fights. He was supposed to travel to London to face Cleverly before withdrawing so his sole fight on foreign soil was in Hungary seven years ago. He enjoys home comforts, it seems.

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Is he profiting from generous judging?

Critics may suggest that Cleverly needs a knockout. But Sky Sports asked Peter Fury to remember his nephew's experience with German judges when he fought Wladimir Klitschko.

Everybody is hell-bent on stoppages in Germany but Tyson disproved that. The Germans like clean shots and the better man is the better man.
Peter Fury

Tell me something interesting about Braehmer...

In the amateurs he defeated Ricky Hatton and Carl Froch…

Cleverly has got his work cut out, right?

Braehmer will be the favourite this weekend, despite his age. He's a southpaw with his fair share of stoppage power. He's even been mentioned as the antidote for Sergey Kovalev's power which should tell you everything you need to know.

Back in 2011 when Nathan Cleverly was due to originally fight Juergen Braehmer, Gareth Bale joined him in camp for some pad work.

Anything else we need to know?

Yes, Braehmer is a keen follower of the darts although that's unlikely to affect this weekend's fight…

Image: Einhundertachtzig!

Watch Braehmer v Cleverly  live on Sky Sports 2 this Saturday from 8pm.

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