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In a battle for the WBA “regular” Light Heavyweight World Championship, Badou Jack (22-1-2 13KO) systematically battered ex titlist Nathan Cleverly (30-4 16KO) to successfully return to the division.
Former 168-pound beltholder Jack uncorked a rabid body assault to dominate the fourth and fifth rounds before referee Tony Weeks compassionately halted the contest as a bloodied Cleverly lay prone against the ropes midway through the fifth.
Now 33, since winning a piece of the 168-lb crown in 2015 vs. Anthony Dirrell, Jack is undefeated (4-0-1) in his last five championship fights.
Conversely, at 30-years-of-age, two time 175-lb champion Cleverly has lost three of five fights. However, his disheartening loss to a naturally smaller Badou Jack could mark the end of the UK brawler’s run as a viable competitor.