Nathan Cleverly Tips Lee Selby To Become a World Champ

Nathan Cleverly believes fellow Welshman Lee Selby (12-1, 4KOs) can follow in his footsteps and become a world champion. Selby burst onto the domestic scene when he ripped the British featherweight title from Stephen Smith with an eighth round knockout in September. The 24-year-old then became the first man to stop John Simpson this month and Cleverly feels Selby has already shown he has the potential to reach the top.

"I've known Lee for a long time now through the amateur ranks," the WBO light-heavyweight champion told the South Wales Argus. "We're the same age and we went on international tournaments together. He always had potential then and it was only a matter of time before he showed that.

"He turned pro a few years after me but I knew he'd eventually get to that level. He's a good fighter. He can potentially go all the way, as long as they stay focused."

Selby is not surprised by his rapid rise this year.

"As soon as the opportunity came I took it. I've always known I'm good enough to beat the best," he said.