Friday 18 November 2016 17:53, UK
Ahead of Sergey Kovalev's world light-heavyweight title defence against Andre Ward, we asked Nathan Cleverly to give an insight into what it is like to face the fearsome Russian.
Having reigned at super-middleweight, Ward has moved up a division to test his skills against the destructive fists of WBO, WBA 'super' and IBF champion Kovalev at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena in a blockbuster showdown live on Sky Sports.
Cleverly lost his WBO world title and unbeaten record when he was stopped in the fourth round by Kovalev in 2013 and the Welsh star has revealed his experience of sharing a ring with 'Krusher'.
What was your plan to beat Kovalev?
My game plan was to keep it tight. I knew he was a big puncher, so I wanted to block a lot of shots and let him punch himself out, then I would capitalise on that in the second half of the fight. But it was easier said than done and he found a cracking right hand early on that rattled me and I couldn't recover.
Is he simply just a power puncher then?
No. Of course his punching power is very good, but his all-round boxing ability is underrated. He is very strong and he has world-class distance and timing - the elite fighters have that. His footwork is brilliant and the way he moves in and out of range is very impressive. He's a top fighter in all departments.
Does 'Krusher' have any weaknesses?
Throughout my career where I've fought and sparred a lot of big guys and big punchers, Kovalev's power stands out as elite and special. He has proved that time and time again by knocking out world class fighters.
I think his last fight against Isaac Chilemba showed that he can potentially be beaten. Kovalev didn't look himself and was a bit lacklustre compared to what we are used to.
Chilemba is a tricky opponent, very awkward and slippery, so did he show a way of beating the Russian? Maybe. Let's remember that Kovalev still comfortably won the fight.
What is the Russian's best shot?
For me, his right hand stands out - It's a tremendous shot. He sets it up from a long jab or from his left hand and then loads up with a long hurtful right hand that can do a lot of damage.
Is Kovalev the biggest puncher you've faced?
Definitely. Throughout my career in the amateurs and pros where I've fought and sparred a lot of big guys and big punchers, Kovalev's power stands out as elite and special. He has proved that time and time again by knocking out world-class fighters.
I couldn't recover from the early right hand he threw against me and after that, he's like a predator in trying to look for an early stoppage.
What is your prediction for Saturday's fight?
This is a brilliant fight and the best one that can be made in boxing at the moment. It's two of the best pound-for-pound fighters putting it all on the line to be the number one and fair play to them for that.
It's really intriguing as Kovalev's power, distance and timing go up against Ward's masterful boxing technique and defensive ability.
I think it will be cagey early on. Kovalev will look to start fast and let his hands go, putting Ward on the back foot and I'm sure that Ward will feel his power early on and will be quite negative.
Ward will nick a few rounds with his movement and technique, landing the odd right or left hand, but overall Kovalev's work rate and power will force the fight and 'Krusher' will take it on points.
