Dawson (right) was seen as the top man at 175lbs before the Pascal loss

European light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly says he has Jean Pascal on his radar after the Canadian's shock win over Chad Dawson on Saturday.

An accidental clash of heads ended the Montreal bout in the 11th as WBC champ Pascal beat IBF title-holder Dawson.

That ended the American's unbeaten run and shattered his reputation as the top man in the light-heavyweight division.

"Now Pascal has the Ring Magazine title he's the man I want to beat," said Cleverly, who faces Karo Murat next.

"I followed Saturday's fight with interest. Dawson has been the man to beat for the last couple of years, but now Pascal has taken that crown.

"I watched [Pascal's] fight against Carl Froch a few years ago and he's a great fighter, but Froch showed he can be beaten.

"I've got respect for all the guys at the top of the light-heavyweight division, but I'm confident that this time next year I will be fighting them and I will be beating them.

If I can win the WBO title, then a unification fight in 2011 would be fantastic European title-holder Nathan Cleverly

"My fight against Murat on 18 September is very important. Lose and I am back to the drawing board, win and I am in a great position.

"I'm sure [Pascal] will be tied up in rematch clauses with Dawson, but if I can win the WBO title, then a unification fight in 2011 would be fantastic."

The Birmingham clash with unbeaten Murat - who has won all 22 of his fights, 13 by knock-out - is being called an official eliminator for WBO champion Juergen Braehmer's crown.

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.

Cefn Fforest-man Cleverly, who has won all 19 of his fights (nine by knock-out), has been irked by Murat's comments ahead of their meeting in Birmingham.

The 26-year-old German has claimed that he has "no respect" for the undefeated Welshman or his record.

"He's said I'm a 'gobby' fighter," said 23-year-old Cleverly.

"He's angered me making those claims. Trust me, that only added fuel to the fire, I will destroy Murat."

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