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Career Profile, Bio & Record for Nathan Cleverly

As one of British boxing's brightest hopes of recent years, 23 year old Nathan Cleverly, of Cefn Forest in Wales, is ready to announce himself to the world. A former British, Commonwealth and European Light Heavyweight Champion, Cleverly has relinquished his titles as he aims to break into the world title scene. After stopping Karo Murat in a WBO final eliminator in his last bout, Cleverly is well placed to do just that.

AMATEUR RECORD AND EARLY CAREER

After a relatively brief amateur career during which he compiled a record of 32-4, Cleverly crossed over to the professional game shortly after his 18th birthday. While this is a well trodden route for many fighters, Cleverly had to combine a move into a demanding new professional career with the added challenge of beginning studies for a degree in Mathematics. Cleverly's desire to improve himself academically didnt prove too much of a distraction as he raced to 12-0. With just 3 stoppages on his slate though, Cleverly had yet to develop genuine power.

FIRST TITLE

Cleverly was given the chance to claim his first professional title in October 2008 when matched with the tough former British, Commonwealth and WBU champion Tony Oakey. Oakey was a big step up for Cleverly but he rose to the occasion and claimed a unanimous points decision and the vacant commonwealth Light Heavyweight belt. The Commonwealth title seemed to elevate Cleverly to a new level. His first defense against Kenyan Otieno (18-1 at the time) began a run of 7 stoppages victories which continues as of late 2010.

MOVING UP THE RANKINGS

After 3 successful defenses of the Commonwealth title, Cleverly was nominated to fight Danny McIntosh for the vacant British title in July 2009, Although both fighters were undefeated entering the bout, Cleverly proved to be in a different class and stopped the outgunned McIntosh in round 7. After defending the belt against Courtney Fry, Cleverly was again moved up in class when he faced the experienced Antonio Brancalion for the European title. Cleverly rose to the challenge and the 5th round TKO victory was his best performance to that point. Cleverly had managed to follow the classic route through domestic and European honors while maintaining his studies. The completion of his degree allowed Cleverly to concentrate fully on training ahead of his biggest fight to date.

WBO FINAL ELIMINATOR

In September 2010, Cleverly faced Karo Murat in a final eliminator for Jurgen Brahmer's WBO Light Heavyweight belt. The fight between two talented, young and undefeated fighters was predicted to be very closely fought and lived up to all expectations. Cleverly surprised many by taking the fight to Murat. It was as if he wanted to show he could take Murat's shots and still come out on top. After 10 give and take rounds Cleverly proved himself to be the real deal as the fight was stopped on the advice of the ringside doctors. Although it was an evenly matched fight for 7 rounds, eventually Murat was unable to cope with Cleverly's fitness and variety of shots.

THE FUTURE

With WBO champion Jurgen Brahmer sidelined by legal issues, Cleverly boxes Spainiard Alejandro Lakatos on December 11th for the interim belt. Should Cleverly triumph, he could could see himself upgraded to full champion status without having to step into the ring again. For a fighter who has constantly challenged himself in and out of the ring though, one gets the impression this would be an unsatisfactory way for Cleverly to reach his goal.

The light heavyweight division is currently very competitive and Cleverly is one of a crop of talented fighters, looking up to big names in the division such as Jean Pascal, Chad Dawson and Tavoris Cloud. Cleverly has developed the very useful habit of improving in every fight and is more than ready to take on the very top names in the division. Still only 23 years old and with seemingly limitless potential, the future is very bright for the Welshman.

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