BBC Sportboxing

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 16:00 GMT, Thursday, 20 November 2008

Cleverly eager for first defence

Nathan Cleverly and Tony Oakey
Nathan Cleverly is unbeaten in his 13-fight career

Nathan Cleverly will make the first defence of his Commonwealth light-heavyweight title next month in Widnes against an as yet to be named opponent.

It will be a welcome return to the north west for the unbeaten 21-year-old, who has a perfect 13-0 record.

Cleverly won his crown in Liverpool last month, outpointing the experienced Tony Oakey over a bruising 12 rounds.

"It was a great feeling to win the title, but this is just the start," said Cleverly.

"Defeating Oakey made me realise how far I can go in this sport.

"I'll be concentrating 100% on beating whoever I face on December the 12th, but next year I want British champion Dean Francis, then European and world honours."

606: DEBATE

Chief support at the Kingsway Sports Centre sees a mouth-watering English light-middleweight title clash between Andrew Facey and Matthew Hall.

Champion Facey is an experienced and awkward member of Brendan Ingle's Wincobank stable, while big-punching Hall is one of the most exciting prospects in the country.

For the first time all three members of the Smith boxing dynasty feature on a card for the first time - former English middleweight champion Paul, and younger brothers Callum and Stephen.

They will be joined by top prospect Anthony Crolla and Liverpudlian duo Tony Bellew and Joe Selkirk.

see also
Maths student is boxing clever
14 Oct 08 |  South east
Cleverly leaves Calzaghe stable
05 Sep 08 |  Boxing
BBC Sport Wales coverage
28 Oct 08 |  Wales


related bbc links:

related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites