Cleverly unleashed a stunning uppercut to retain his title on Friday

Nathan Cleverly produced an explosive finish to retain his Commonwealth light-heavyweight crown by knocking out Douglas Otieno in the fourth round.

The 21-year-old, in his first defence, used his greater reach to control the first three rounds from long range.

When the Welshman hit Otieno with a combination in the fourth round the Kenyan tried to take evasive action.

But Otieno only succeeded in ducking into a blistering right uppercut and was clean out before he hit the canvas.

Cleverly, who won the title by defeating Tony Oakey in October, was always in control in Widnes and afterwards admitted the knockout punch was probably the best he had thrown in his career.

"To be honest I've been waiting for that day to come, when I hit them and they fall over first time rather than me wearing them down," said Cleverly. "It just proves my power is improving."

Next up for Cleverly is a British title fight with Dean Francis, a bout the Welshman says he is "definitely" ready for.

"I'm knocking on the door for anyone in Britain," said Cleverly. "I'm not going to go round and start calling out big names because it's early days for my career, but anyone who steps in my way, I'm ready."

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