Boxing: Is 2008 going to be Nathan’s year?

Jan 3 2008 by David Williams, Merthyr Express

AFTER a hugely successful year, Nathan Cleverly could hit the jackpot in 2008 with a trip to Las Vegas.

The Cefn Fforest super-middleweight’s stock has risen considerably in the last 12 months after adding three wins to his unbeaten record of eight.

And if 2007 was Cleverly’s best year so far in his fledgling career, 2008 looks set to be even better.

A shot at a British title and possibly a fight in Las Vegas could come the way of the 20-year-old if Joe Calzaghe’s much-anticipated clash with Bernard Hopkins goes ahead.

“Hopefully I will have one more fight and then go for a British title,” said Cleverly.

“Then if Joe gets the chance to fight Hopkins in Las Vegas it’s possible I could be on the under-card, which would be great.

“It would be a dream come true to fight in Vegas. My style of fighting would give me the opportunity to shine in front of an American audience.”

Wins last year over Nick Okoth in April, Ayittey Powers in July and Joey Vegas in November – on the under card of Calzaghe’s stunning win over Mikkel Kessler in front of 50,000 fans at the Millennium Stadium – has cemented Cleverly’s position as one of the top British super-middleweights.

And with trainer Enzo Calzaghe billing him as a possible successor to son Joe – who sparred with Cleverly before the Kessler bout – there are already high expectations on the youngster’s shoulders.

“When Enzo says good things about you and is pushing you forward for titles it gives you so much confidence,” he said.

“It’s an honour to be mentioned in the same breath as Joe after what he has achieved. I wouldn’t say it puts pressure on me, it makes me more excited.

“Sparring with him has been great. He gives me advice and he knows what I can do, which gives me more belief in myself.”

Cleverly’s undefeated record (11 wins from 11) has set him up for a possible crack at a British title which, because of age restrictions, won’t come before his 21st birthday in February.

“Of course it would be a dream to take over the mantle of Joe,” said the third year Cardiff University maths student.

“I’m in a great position to do that and I’d have to take a shot at a British title with both hands.

“But I’ve had a brilliant year. I’ve stepped up a class in terms of my boxing and the opponents I’ve fought.

“Apart from my last fight, where I let my standard slip a bit, I don’t think there was anything I could have done better.

“And that shows I can still win against a good fighter even when I’m not at my best.”

Being named runner-up to the Best Young Boxer of the Year has also instilled a greater belief in Cleverly.

“It’s great to be recognised like that after all the hard work I’ve put in,” he added.

“People are eventually realising that I have the potential to be a champion.

“That gives me the confidence and belief to carry on and reach the top.

“Next year will be very hard again but will hopefully be another successful year, not just for myself but for my training partners who have got some big fights coming up.

“I think Joe can beat Bernard Hopkins if the fight goes ahead.

“Hopkins is a counter-puncher and tries to dictate the pace of a fight, whereas Joe makes the first move and throws a lot of punches so I think he would out-work Hopkins.”