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Cleverly boxes smart to claim Euro title
ESPN staff
February 13, 2010
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Nathan Cleverly became the European light-heavyweight champion after defeating Antonio Brancalion in a fifth-round stoppage on a night at Wembley Arena that was a showcase for British boxing.
The 22-year-old - who was already the British and Commonwealth belt holder going into the contest - gradually increased the ferocity of his attack as the rounds progressed, showing patience in the early stages as he sized up his opponent.
"I think it was a mature performance. My old fights, I was excited - but this fight, I decided to take my time," Cleverly said.
"A little bit more patience is needed to move onto world level, and this sets a good foundation for me to do that."
The victory was Cleverly's sixth knockout in a row, which came as a surprise to Frank Warren's pupil. "It's been astronomical really, the progress in my power," he said.
Kevin Mitchell defended his WBO inter-continental lightweight championship with a second round knockout victory over Ignacio Mendoza.
After a cautious first round, Mitchell threw an instinctive left jab that was too powerful for the Spaniard to handle, sending him to the canvas and ending the contest.
"I wanted to show my strength as well as my movement," Mitchell said. "It worked - bang. I wanted to show the boxing and the power."
Post-fight, promoter Frank Warren confirmed his desire for Mitchell to face off against Michael Katsidis, the interim WBO lightweight champion, in his next fight.
"The WBO have given us 28 days to negotiate the fight with Katsidis," Warren said. "I would like to see it here [Wembley], and see the same [outcome] again."
James DeGale impressed on his homecoming fight as he made short work of Matthew Barr, winning via a second round stoppage.
Local boy DeGale, who threw a flurry of rapid punches right from the first bell, knocked his opponent to the floor twice in the second before the referee stopped the contest.
"The first round I was too eager, although I wasn't nervous - I loved it. I thrive on pressure," DeGale said. The 24-year-old went on to plead for a fight against George Groves, who beat him as an amateur.
"I would love to fight him sooner rather than later," he said. "I want to shut him up." DeGale reportedly turned down £50,000 to fight Groves on the undercard of David Haye's title defence against John Ruiz on April 3.
Frankie Gavin claimed a comfortable points victory over Peter McDonagh to maintain his unbeaten record, before insisting he was ready for a light-welterweight title fight.
In stark contrast to his opponent's frenzied punching, the 24-year-old kept a cool head throughout. Gavin landed 30% of his jabs, while McDonagh was successful with 8%.
Afterwards, Gavin said: "Nobody's taken every round off McDonagh, but I did. Without a doubt I'm ready for a title fight. I'll go for Lenny Daws [British light-welterweight champion] no problem."
© ESPN EMEA Ltd
