Nathan Cleverly celebrates his win over Tony Oakey

New Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly has been praised by the last Welshman to hold the title, Nicky Piper.

"Now the real decisions start as he looks at who to defend against," said Piper, who won the same belt in 1997.

"There are some great matches to be made out there."

Unbeaten Blackwood youngster Cleverly, 21, outpointed experienced Portsmouth man Tony Oakey over a bruising 12 rounds in Liverpool on Friday.

That was the first time he had gone beyond eight rounds as he stretched his 100% professional record to 13 victories in his first bout since leaving the Enzo Calzaghe stable.

"Nathan had the accuracy and fitness against Oakey, he's had years of sparring with Joe Calzaghe and Enzo Maccarinelli," said Piper.

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Cardiff University maths student Cleverly said he had relished the tear-up.

"I enjoyed it, I like to get in a brawl and I had to in order to beat Tony Oakey," said Cleverly, who has yet to decide whether to defend the Commonwealth belt or seek a different title.

"Later in the fight I used my jab and movement more.

"He was going on about how fit he is and that he would grind me down, but he didn't realise what an athlete I am.

"I'm a boxer-fighter, like Joe Calzaghe or Barry McGuigan.

"I'll be back in University on Monday with a nice cut over my eye!"

Former British champion Oakey, who had taken the fight at late notice, paid generous praise to his opponent as he hinted that his own career was coming close to its end.

"I have to take my hat off to him, he's a good kid who is definitely on the way up," said Oakey, 32.

"Tell him to enjoy it, it won't last forever."