• Light-heavyweight

Cleverly 'ready for war' against Krasniqi

ESPN staff
April 18, 2013
Nathan Cleverly aims to defend his belt for a fifth time © PA Photos
Enlarge

Unbeaten WBO light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly is determined to "take out" Robin Krasniqi ahead of their bout at Wembley Arena on Saturday.

The 26-year-old aims to defend his belt for a fifth time against the German, and is fully prepared for the battle against a fighter he claims "will be the hardest".

"Krasniqi is a dangerous challenger, the best I've faced yet and I've trained as if I'm the challenger in this fight," Cleverly said.

Krasniqi poured petrol onto the fire by presenting Cleverly with a skirt at the press conference for the fight, in light of Cleverly twice withdrawing from scheduled encounters.

"It was a bit of bravado and he was trying to get under my skin, but I didn't fall into his trap. I just kept smiling. We all like a bit of fun, but I'll make him pay for it on fight night," was Cleverly's response to the actions of Krasniqi.

"This is my hardest fight to date because he's a tough opponent who's desperate to rip my world title away from, but also because there's a lot at stake.

"It should be a great fight, I love to fight and am ready for a war while Krasniqi is an assertive fighter who likes to be on the front foot.

"But I've prepared 100% both mentally and physically, so there's no way he can beat me. I'm going to take him out and move on to bigger and better things."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices