The Magnificent Seven Preview Part 2.
Yesterday we previewed four fights fights from the big Magnificent Seven card. We just have three more to go including a big domestic heavyweight showdown, and two world title eliminators.
5. Dereck Chisora (13-0) vs.Sam Sexton (13-1)
This is a real 50/50 British title fight. These two met before back in 2008 with Chisora securing a stoppage in the dying moments of the 6th and final round. Both were just rookies last time they faced off, and now they meet once again as rounded professionals on the verge of a major break through. The heavyweight division needs fresh challengers to step up; a win for either man here would see him close in on the title mix.
Both guys are completely different fighters this time around, and the first fight probably bares very little relevance. They are both coming off signature career wins. Chisora battered a thoroughly shot Danny Williams back in may. While Sexton twice stopped Martin Rogan last year.
I give most of the physical advantages to Chisora. I think he will be quicker, he hits harder, he’s better defensively, and maybe the better technician to. He has shown that he’s prone to ill temperament and mental lapses in fights. And I just wonder if Sexton is the type of Boxer who can frustrate him and bring that out. The two wars Sexton survived with Rogan will stand to him. They were the type of fights that toughen you. He will know that he can dig down in to that resolve again if needs be, and that just may give him the confidence he needs.
This time I’m going with the physical advantages of Del Boy. He just brings more to the table. I like the kid. He’s a bit of a rascal, but he’s the type of guy who will get people talking, and that’s a good thing for the heavyweight decision.
Prediction: Chisora by KO 9
6. Kell Brook (21-0) vs.Michael Jennings (36-2)
We have seen lots of British prospects deemed the new Naseem Hamed over the years. The trouble is most of them can duplicate his arrogant demeanor and showboating style, but none of them have the incredible mix of speed, power, and balance that The Prince possessed. Brook may be the one true exception.
The 24 year old fights out of the famed Brendan Ingle gym in Sheffield: the same place where Hamed crafted the style that made him a World champion. With each passing performance Brook looks more assured of himself, and he’s beginning to look like the complete package. He brings with him a flashy crowd pleasing style, and true knockout power. This is a man who should-and will be- a huge draw.
In the opposite corner is the experienced perennial British contender Michael Jennings. Most people know Jennings as the sacrificial lamb for Miguel Cotto’s come back after the Margarito loss. Jennings was game on the night, but just completely outmatched. I have read a lot of nonsense in recent weeks about this being a nothing match up for Brook. If you believe that you are a fool, And I hope Kell Brook is smart enough to know that isn’t the case. Jennings is a little past his best, but there is no shame in losing to Miguel Cotto, and Michael remains the best fighter Brook has ever been in the ring with.
There are those in the British Boxing community that think an upset could be on the cards here. The feeling being that Jennings has just enough guile to find Brook wanting. I don’t believe that to be the case. I feel Brook is a world champion in the making, and will prove to be too much for the veteran.
Prediction: Brook KO 6
7. Nathan Cleverly (19-0) vs.Karo Murat (22-0)
Light heavyweight has been the single most stale division in boxing for the last couple of years. Readers of FGB will be familiar with how down on the class I am. Never has that been more pronounced than in April of this year when we saw the sad spectacle that was Hopkins vs Jones 2. The good news is that I think we are about to turn the corner. We now have a champion in Pascal that excites people (no offense to Chad Dawson, but he just wasn’t that guy), and we have some fresh talent beginning to emerge, which brings us to tonight. What a breath of fresh air this is- Cleverly vs. Murat- two young undefeated fighters on the cusp of a title shot facing off. This match up alone probably drops the average age of the weight class by 10 years.
Cleverly, for my money, is the divisions best hope. I think this guy is a real special talent. He’s looked sensational over the past two years. His power is clearly developing, and at 23 he’s probably just growing into the weight. He wasn’t stopping much of anyone in his early career, but the big knockouts have started to mount as he’s moved up into more meaningful fights. He goes into Saturday riding a streak of six straight KO’s.
If Cleverly is sensational, Murat is solid. He has good fundamentals, a solid defense, and can bang a bit. On first glance his style resembles that of Arthur Abraham. Although he doesn’t appear to display that single shot, knock your head into the 10th row, power Arthur has demonstrated over the years. But he is dangerous none the less.
This is a risk from team Cleverly. They have ambitions of big world title fights, and to get there Nathan will have to overcome world class opponents. He has the ability to do it, but does he have the seasoning at this point? This fight will tell us a lot. If the Welsh native comes through this looking good, he’s ready for all comers.
I believe the challenge will motivate Cleverly and bring the best out of him. He will want people to leave this show remembering his name. Last year he lost out by one vote to Kell Brook as British young fighter of the year. He will be looking to prove that they were wrong, and he’s Britain’s next breakout star.
Prediction: Cleverly by decision
