• Light Heavyweight

Cleverly to fight Krasniqi at Royal Albert Hall

ESPN staff
March 20, 2012
Nathan Cleverly will defend his WBO light-heavyweight belt against Robin Krasniqi © PA Photos
Enlarge

Nathan Cleverly will defend his WBO light-heavyweight title against Robin Krasniqi at the Royal Albert Hall next month.

Cleverly's promoter Frank Warren already had the London venue booked for April 28, but now an opponent has been arranged, subject to confirmation from the WBO.

The Welshman will put his unbeaten record on the line when he takes on Germany's Krasniqi, who is the fourth-ranked fighter in the division with a record of 37 wins from 39 fights.

Should Cleverly succesfully negotiate his way past Krasniqi, he could well face the winner of Bernard Hopkins' rematch with Chad Dawson which takes place on the same night in Atlantic City.

"Subject to confirmation from the WBO, Nathan has got a tough defence against Krasniqi who's never been stopped in 39 fights and is ranked No. 4 so it's going to be a hard test for him," Warren said.

It will be the first time the Royal Albert Hall hosts a boxing match since 1999 when Marco Antonio Barrera faced Paul Lloyd - the last time a Welshman fought there was 1995 when Joe Calzaghe beat Stephen Wilson.

"It's great to be the first boxer in over 10 years to open up the doors to the famous venue to boxing again," Cleverly said. "I love boxing in London and I'm over the moon that Frank has put on my world title defence at the iconic landmark and it will be the start of many big shows.

"It's a who's who of boxing who have fought at the Albert Hall and to add my name alongside greats like Lennox Lewis, Naseem Hamed, Nigel Benn and Joe Calzaghe is a real honour and dream."

© 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