Nathan Cleverly Wants To Defend Titles in Wales

By Terence Dooley

Welshman Nathan Cleverly has expressed a desire to defend his Commonwealth and British titles on home soil.  The light-heavyweight is in red-hot form at the moment, he destroyed Danny McIntosh in seven one-sided rounds last month.

Cleverly, 22, told the BBC that a homecoming fight sits at the top of his wish list.  “I've not boxed in Wales for a while and I've never had a title fight in Wales.  I'm going to be ringing promoter Frank Warren and asking for a date to put in my diary,” said Nathan.  “The Welsh fans are among the most passionate in the world and I plan on giving them something to shout about over the next few years.”

Cleverly is following in the footsteps of Welsh legend Joe Calzaghe, who retired undefeated earlier this year, Nathan hopes to pick up where Joe left off.  “Joe [Calzaghe] put Welsh boxing back on the map and was fantastic for the whole sport in Britain.  I was sad to see him quit, but it's given me the chance to spearhead a new era of boxing here,” he claimed.

Nathan won his titles by defeating Tony Oakey - for the Commonwealth - and Danny McIntosh - for the British; the youngster is enjoying his tenure as a double champion.  “When I beat McIntosh it was a special feeling and I don't think the British title has left my side since.  I even sleep with it under my pillow and I can't contemplate the thought of giving it back if I move on to the European or world stage,” he declared.

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