Tommy Karpency is the latest man to try and relieve Welshman Nathan Cleverly of his prized WBO Light Heavyweight title when the pair meet this Saturday in Cardiff, Wales at the Motorpoint Arena.
Poland’s Aleksy Kuziemski and England’s Tony Bellew both tried and failed and now it is the turn of the rugged and durable American.
It will be Nathan’s third defence, of the title that he won against Frenchman Nadjib Mohammedi at the end of 2010. It’s the first time that a challenger will be from the USA.
26-year-old Tommy Karpency hails from Adah, Pennsylvania a small town with a population of approximately 150 people. It is here that he trains in an old converted Church that his family owns. Trained by his father Tommy Snr; it’s a similarity to the champion who is coached by his father, Vince Cleverly. A professional since May 2006, Karpency has sparred with some of the biggest names in boxing like Roy Jones Jnr and Glen Johnson. He’s done the majority of his professional boxing on the West Virginia circuit and currently holds a record of 21 wins, 2 loses and 1 draw with 14 wins coming by way of knockout. His two defeats came on points against the durable Rayco Saunders in a close fight over 8 rounds, and a 12 round -decision- loss to Karo Murat in Germany. His best win is probably against the then -undefeated- Chuck Mussachio.
The American challenger fights out of the southpaw stance and is a big light heavyweight. He has shown he has the stamina to do 12 rounds and he has better power than his record suggests. He is a rugged, strong, composed type who fights in an upright stance. He tends to leave himself quite open and isn’t the quickest of hand and foot. I don’t believe he will be fazed by what is likely to be an electric atmosphere and partisan crowd in Cardiff, as he has fought away from ‘home’ and in Europe before. Some may feel that he’s fortunate to be getting this opportunity but I have no doubt that he is coming to the Welsh capital to try to realise his dream of becoming a World champion.
In the undefeated champion Cleverly (23-0, 11 Kos) he is facing a talented fighter, who can box or brawl and who holds the edge in both speed and power. I’m pretty positive that this will be another successful defence for -Cleverly- a chance for him to show the home crowd what they have been missing for the last 4 years. (It’s Nathans 1st fight in Wales since 2007.)
One advantage that the challenger does hold is that there is little pressure on him – he’s been written off by some and has everything to gain. He is a game fighter who is coming to Wales to win and there will be no room for complacency on the champion’s part.
The fight will be broadcast live on Boxnation.
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