Fry has only fought 15 fights in six years as a professional

Liverpool-based light-heavyweight Courtney Fry says his amateur pedigree can help him beat British and Commonwealth champion Nathan Cleverly.

Fry, 34, will face Cleverly, 22, for the Welshman's professional titles at London's York Hall on Friday.

"We are talking a long time ago (but) I've boxed the best in the world," the Londoner told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"I've held my own against them and some of them I've beaten. I feel like I've still got it."

He added: "I believe at 34, my age is just a number and I live the life of a 21-year-old.

"If he thinks he can take me to the deep-end early, he can try but I'm fit as a fiddle."

Fry was a Commonwealth Games champion in 1998 and a Sydney Olympian in 2000.

However his progress in the professional ranks had stalled to such an extent that he has only fought 15 times in six years and had been considering quitting the sport.

The likeable Enfield fighter has been re-energised by his title opportunity and denies his relative inactivity of recent years will prove his downfall against Cleverly.

"I'm mentally strong and I'll overcome that with my brain," he said.

"Apart from that, I've been sparring non stop, I'm always in the gym and I'm always training so I don't see it as a problem."

Fry believes a victory at York Hall could finally kick-start his career in the paid ranks.

"Friday is the start of something new. He may see me as a stepping stone but I see him as the stepping stone and I will overcome him."

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