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Cleverly and DeGale mixing it in sparring

Nathan Cleverly will defend an unbeaten record against Jurgen Brahmer

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Nathan Cleverly has admitted his sparring sessions with James DeGale have been feisty, as the pair step up their preparations for their fights next month.

Cleverly will take on southpaw Jurgen Brahmer for the WBO light-heavyweight title, while DeGale will step into the ring against the man who beat him as an amateur - George Groves.

DeGale operates in a lower weight class to Cleverly but it would appear that the pair have been trading serious blows in sparring.

"It has been excellent preparation," Cleverly told Sky Sports News. "James DeGale is fighting on May 21 and is a southpaw like my opponent so it made sense to take that sparring.

"It has got a bit (feisty). It is important to have that element of competitiveness in sparring. Sometimes we mix it up between nice movement and then let a few big shots go. It is important to adapt and take those big shots.

"We get on well and we have great respect for each other, but when we are in the gym and sparring we get down to business.

"We were looking for a great southpaw to spar and the best option was James DeGale. He is preparing for his own massive fight so it made sense."

Cleverly is unbeaten in 21 professional fights, but is taking a leap in class against Brahmer and is aware of the challenge he faces.

"Jurgen Brahmer is a top-class fighter, a massive puncher, with 38 fights and 36 wins," Cleverly said. "He has wins over Ricky Hatton and Carl Froch as an amateur so he is top class. He has a great pedigree. I am up against it but am thriving on the challenge.

"This is probably the most important night and hardest fight of my life. It is a 50-50 fight but I fancy the job."

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