Cleverly set for title fight

Welshman Nathan Cleverly finally looks set to fight for the WBO light-heavyweight title after the governing body ordered champion Jurgen Braehmer to start negotiations with the Briton.

Maths graduate Cleverly enjoyed a successful 2010 by winning the European title, completing his degree and then becoming WBO ’interim’ champion in December.

The 23-year-old had faced a wait to challenge Braehmer for the full title, with the German scheduled to meet Beibut Shumenov in a unification bout this month. However, Braehmer had to pull out of that contest with illness and now must instead meet Cleverly or be stripped of his belt, which would see the Cefn Forest man upgraded to full champion status.

Cleverly’s promoter Frank Warren had wanted to put his man up against Braehmer in December and is now likely to try to bring the contest to Britain in the coming months.

Cleverly has previously spoken of his desire to stage big fights in Cardiff and believes he can step into the shoes off Welsh hero Joe Calzaghe.

“The Millennium is a great stadium with a large capacity. I think it’s the ultimate venue really,” he told Press Association Sport.

“A world title fight there would be great.

“On the other hand I’m not one of those boxers who is scared of travelling. I don’t mind travelling, I wouldn’t mind going to America and fighting when that time comes and I’ve enjoyed fighting in London.

“The Millennium Stadium would be nice but travelling is an option as well, it’s adventurous and character building too.”