Cleverly wants to secure a Lonsdale belt before moving to world level

British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly will make his next defence at the Odyssey Arena, Belfast, on 9 October.

The opponent for the undefeated Cefn Fforest man, 22, has yet to be named.

The Welshman is one of nine fighters up for the young boxer of the year award and is joint favourite with Kell Brook to claim the prestigious prize.

Cleverly won the Commonwealth crown in Liverpool last year and has had title fights in Widnes, Swindon and London.

Before the announcement of the Belfast bout, Cleverly said he was keen for a first title bout on home soil as he seeks to follow Joe Calzaghe as Wales' boxing star.

"I've not boxed in Wales for a while and I've never had a title fight in Wales," said Cleverly.

606: DEBATE Is Cleverly the new Calzaghe? Sean_D

"I'm going to be ringing promoter Frank Warren and asking for a date to put in my diary.

"The Welsh fans are among the most passionate in the world and I plan on giving them something to shout about over the next few years.

"Joe [Calzaghe] put Welsh boxing back on the map and was fantastic for the whole sport in Britain.

"I was sad to see him quit, but it's given me the chance to spearhead a new era of boxing here."

Cleverly, about to enter the final year of a maths degree at Cardiff University, added the British title to his Commonwealth crown with a thrilling seven-round win over Danny McIntosh at the York Hall last month.

That took his record to 17 victories, with seven knock-outs, in as many fights, the last four ending in impressive stoppages that have convinced the likes of Barry McGuigan that the Welshman can reach the top.

Cleverly insists that he wants to notch three more British title wins to secure a Lonsdale belt before moving on to world level.

I don't mind hanging around at this level for a little while if it means I can get a Lonsdale belt outright Nathan Cleverly

"When I was growing up I had plenty of ambitions in boxing," he said.

"I always wanted to follow the traditional route of winning British, Commonwealth, European and world titles.

"I'm halfway there having won British and Commonwealth, but I don't mind hanging around at this level for a little while if it means I can get a Lonsdale belt outright.

"It would mean so much to me to get the British title for keeps.

"When I beat McIntosh it was a special feeling and I don't think the British title has left my side since.

"I even sleep with it under my pillow and I can't contemplate the thought of giving it back if I move on to the European or world stage."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version