Cleverly says he has been motivated for another knock-out performance

European light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly has vowed to take apart Karo Murat in their WBO eliminator at Birmingham's LG Arena on 18 September.

His outburst follows the German's claim that he has "no respect" for the undefeated Welshman or his record.

"He's said I'm a 'gobby' fighter," said Cleverly. "He's angered me making those claims. Trust me, that only added fuel to the fire, I will destroy Murat."

The bout is not expected to be for the WBO interim title as originally billed.

But the fight is being called an official eliminator for champion Juergen Braehmer's crown.

He says he is on the same level as Joe Calzaghe, even though there's no way he has fought at the same level of class Karo Murat on Nathan Cleverly

The title could become vacant if Braehmer - who pulled out of a 17 July defence against Vikapita 'Beast Master' Meroro because of injury - fails in his appeal against a 16-month prison sentence for assault and insulting behaviour.

Whether or not a world title bout is pending, Cleverly's clash with fellow unbeaten prospect Murat will be eagerly anticipated.

Murat, who was born in Iraq and spent time in Armenia, has won all 22 of his fights, 13 by knockout.

He previously held the European super-middleweight title but stepped up a division to claim the fringe WBO intercontinental light-heavyweight title against Sergey Demchenko last August.

The German has since made two successful defences, stopping Guyana's Sean Corbin in two rounds and then winning an unanimous decision over American Tommy Karpency.

"I'm very much looking forward to fighting in a big arena in England," said Murat, 26.

"I've seen Cleverly fighting on the internet and I've seen articles of what he's been saying in the press.

"I have to say that I have no respect for him. He says he is on the same level as Joe Calzaghe, even though there's no way he has fought at the same level.

I'm that fired up I wish I was in the ring fighting right now Nathan Cleverly

"We will see what happens on 18 September. I have never been beaten in 22 fights, I'm very confident ahead of this one."

Cleverly, 23, who has won all 19 of his fights (nine by knockout), was clearly irked by his opponent's comments.

The Cefn Fforest man compared his feelings to those before he met Danny McIntosh in September last year, a fired-up Cleverly stopping his loquacious opponent in seven brutal rounds.

"I'm the total opposite [to being a 'gobby' fighter], it's rare that I criticise my opponents," said Cleverly, who has stopped his last six foes.

"I don't claim to be Joe Calzaghe because I'm Nathan Cleverly. I'm my own fighter, out to make my own legacy.

"He's angered me in the way that Danny McIntosh angered me. I kept quiet [in the build-up] then, and took my opponent apart.

"I'm going to punish Murat for making those claims - I'm that fired up I wish I was in the ring fighting right now."

"Murat is a step up, but I always raise my performance for a step up. I'm going to put on another special performance.

"He's good, undefeated, strong and has a good defence, but he needs to worry about me. This is going to be my night."

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