• Light-heavyweight

Nothing wrong with British boxing - Cleverly

ESPN staff
December 19, 2011
Nathan Cleverly thinks Carl Froch can come back after being outclassed by Andre Ward © Getty Images
Enlarge

WBO light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly is backing his beaten fellow Brits Amir Khan and Carl Froch to bounce back from their respective defeats, while shrugging off claims British boxing is in a state of flux.

Cleverly was one of four British world champions at the start of 2011, but defeats to heavyweight David Haye, light-welterweight Amir Khan and most recently former WBC super-middleweight king Carl Froch leave the Welshman the last man standing as the year draws to a close.

However, the unbeaten Cleverly believes it is only a matter of time before his fellow home fighters, who have surrendered their titles, return to prominence.

"Overall it's been a good year - we've had some great fights," he told Sky Sports News. "It's fine lines: Amir Khan was deducted two points and lost his world titles - it's close margins. Carl Froch unfortunately came up against a superb fighter in Andre Ward, who completely outclassed him in the end. There's no disgrace in losing to someone like that."

Of the 12 world title fights this year that British fighters have been involved in abroad, the Brits have lost nine, but Cleverly says it is wrong to suggest British boxers do not have the talent to beat the very best.

"I don't think it's a problem," he said. "We've got some great fighters and on our day I think we can beat anybody. It's just the way it's unfolded but I'm sure the other guys will bounce back.

"It's difficult, a lot of our guys go abroad and fight the elite world champions and it's difficult. Boxing is a tough sport when you've got home advantage, let alone when you go away and your fighting the best guys. To me we're just coming up short, it's a fine line and unfortunately we've fell short in some."

Cleverly's next fight - his first in Wales as a world champion - has been announced, with the 24-year-old putting his title on the line against as yet unnamed opponent on February 25 at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff. However, it is a potential clash with Froch that refuses to go away, with the Welshman admitting he would love to share the ring with his domestic rival should the Cobra move up a weight.

"It'd be a great fight for both of us and for the British public. It's inevitable that it would be an exciting fight because I know Carl likes to stand his ground and let shots go. Likewise with myself - I don't like taking a backward step. It could be a classic.

"If promoters sat together and made the fight, it could be done quite soon. We'll have to see how it pans out but there's no reason it can't happen."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices