Nathan Cleverly should have used the long jab more often tonight

Nathan Cleverly 21-0 (10) won a unanimous decision and the interim WBO light heavyweight title but did not impress against awkward Frenchman Nadjib Mohammedi 23-2  (12).

Mohammedi was a late substitute and had a slippery style but Cleverly could have and should have made the tactical adjustments needed to make the fight easier for himself.

The fight started with both fighters looking cagey and looking for openings. Mohammedi was content to circle the ring while Cleverly tried to use his long jab while stalking his man. The next few rounds were also quiet with highlights being a neat left hook from Cleverly in the second round and unfortunately lots of holding from both men and warnings from the referee. Despite being a very dull fight, Cleverly had got himself into a handy lead.

However, things started to get more difficult for Cleverly around the halfway stage. In the sixth round Mohammedi started to chance his arm and come forward with more punches and he had some success especially when pinning Cleverly in the corner near the end of the round.

The seventh was another poor round from the Welshman who had a point deducted for excessive holding and was shaken ever so slightly towards the rounds conclusion. The eighth was a bit better for Cleverly who stood his ground a bit more in this round. Around this time, Dean Powell in Cleverly’s corner told Cleverly he was in danger of blowing it and promoter Frank Warren did not look comfortable.

Cleverly had a good round in the ninth. He was warned for a low blow and after the Frenchman was given time to recover, Cleverly landed a big left hook, followed by a few follow up punches that left Mohammedi looking flustered. Mohammedi retaliated with a blatant head butt but although warned was not docked the point he should have been.

The last three rounds went a little bit quiet as both men started to tire but it seemed like Cleverly had the upper hand and at the final bell he seemed to have done enough although the crowd booed at the lack of action in the fight.

The three judges all scored for Cleverly by scores of 115-113, 116-111 and 115-112. Cleverly did not look World class tonight but got the win and that is what matters most against an opponent very difficult to look good against.

1. Nathan Cleverly- interim World title fight preview