Nathan Cleverly: Bernard Hopkins is still a class act

By Tommy Allan Nathan Cleverly has his sights firmly set on facing the best fighters in the 175lb weight class. Cleverly become WBO champion back in may after former champion Juergen Braehmer again pulled out of a scheduled defense forcing the WBO to strip him of their title, which elevated Cleverly from interim champion, to full champion. Cleverly must first face British rival Tony Bellew in a much anticipated grudge match before getting onto the world scene but should he come through that tricky assignment then there are going to be a host of big name opponents who Cleverly could face, including Lineal 175lb champion, Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins. “I like Hopkins, I think Hopkins is still a class act. When he puts his mind to it and needs to pull out a performance he produces the goods. Tavoris Cloud is dangerous, Juergen Braehmer is one of the most dangerous in there but I think i’m the youngster coming through who could be the best of the lot really.” There has been some talk of Cleverly facing off against Hopkins should they come through their next fights. Both fighters have said in recent months it is a fight they would be open to. Bernard Hopkins defends his number one spot against slickster Chad Dawson on the same night Cleverly defends against Bellew.