Sergey Kovalev destroyed the then-WBO light heavyweight world champion in an absolutely spectacular showing.
Throughout his career, ‘The Krusher’ proved himself to be one of the most devastating punchers in boxing history.
At the peak of his powers, the towering Russian terrified every opponent he set foot in the ring with.
However, in his first world title fight, it looked like his adversary had no idea what he’d let himself in for.
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Sergey Kovalev destroyed Nathan Cleverly to win his first world title
On August 17, 2013, Sergey Kovalev travelled to the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, UK, to go head-to-head with hometown hero Nathan Cleverly.
Up until that point, the Welshman was undefeated, with a big win over Tony Bellew on his resume. However, within an instant, his zero was gone.
In the third round, the challenger really began to make his presence felt, rocking his opponent with several heavy shots, before sending him hurtling toward the canvas with a right hand.
Cleverly bravely rose to his feet, but after being on the receiving end of several powerful hooks, he found himself on the floor once more.
Showcasing fighting spirit, the title-holder survived the round. However, within moments of the fourth segment, he was down again, and the referee had seen enough.
Despite over a decade having passed since the fight, people still talk about the bout to this day, with many questioning why on Earth Cleverly gave Kovalev a shot.
One individual tweeted: “It was a f—— voluntary [defense]. What were they thinking?” Another added: “It was ridiculous. One of the silliest matchmaking things I’ve seen.”
Enzo Maccarinelli explains why Nathan Cleverly fought Sergey Kovalev
With so many puzzled about how Cleverly ended up inside the ring with Kovalev, former cruiserweight world champion, Enzo Maccarinelli took to Twitter to give some much-needed clarity on the situation.
He explained: “It was from his immediate team, not his promoters (Queensbury), as I know they advised him not to push for it.
“One of the team was in my changing room after I’d won, and I asked him why he’s not out watching. He said, ‘I know what’s going to happen, we warned them’.