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Braehmer withdraws from Cleverly fight

Nathan Cleverly will not fight to become the new WBO light-heavyweight champion © Getty Images

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Nathan Cleverly may not fight for the WBO light-heavyweight title on Saturday, after Juergen Braehmer pulled out of their scheduled fight.

Braehmer, the reigning strap holder, was due to face Cleverly as part of the main event on a card that also features the all-British super-middleweight bout between James DeGale and George Groves.

However, the 32-year-old German pulled out of the fight on Wednesday - after failing to attend a scheduled public workout in East London.

He may be forced to vacate the belt, or it could be automatically handed over to Cleverly - who is technically the interim champion as a result of Braehmer's past legal and physical issues.

The reason behind Braehmer's latest withdrawal is not yet known, although early reports suggest a cut above his eye that opened up during training 10 days ago may have ruled him out of action. He has not fought since April 2010, after also withdrawing from a previous contest against Beibut Shumenov in Kazakhstan earlier in the year.

Cleverly, 24, could yet fight at the event at the O2 Arena, however, if a suitably opponent can be found at short notice. It may turn out to be his first title defence, if he is upgraded to full light-heavyweight champion after Braehmer is stripped of his belt.

"I had a feeling he'd drop out of this fight. It's just very disappointing," Cleverly told Sky Sports.

"This was the fight I really wanted, I've been gunning for him for over a year now.

"He is the champion, it is very unprofessional, he has ducked out of the fight as far as I'm concerned, the proof is now there that he doesn't want to fight me.

"Maybe I'll be elevated to the world champion and as far as I'm concerned I'm still going to be fighting on Saturday and my celebrations will start after that fight."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.