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Joe Calzaghe's retirement left a massive hole in Welsh boxing although many people are touting Nathan Cleverly as having the potential to fill it. Can he enhance his reputation here with an early round knock-out of Sheffield's Billy Boyle?
Cleverly is the the current holder of the Commonwealth title for that weight. He has 15 wins and 0 losses.
Cleverly made his professional debut in July 2005 with a four round victory over journeyman Ernie Smith at the Meadowbank Sports Center in Edinburgh and within a year had compiled a winning ledger of 6-0. His first fight of substance however was in October 2006 when he met Liverpool's Tony Quigley at the MEN Arena in Manchester. The fight which was on the undercard to the match up between Joe Calzaghe and Sakio Bika ended in a 5th round stoppage for Cleverly and handed Quigley his first pro defeat.
Cleverly says he is in shape for his Commonwealth light-heavyweight defence at the York Hall on Friday.
"I'm always in training and try to keep close to my fighting weight so I don't have to lose too much," said Cleverly.
"I was disappointed to hear that Kell was injured, he's a good fighter and I was looking forward to putting my feet up and watching him on TV.
"When I got the call asking if I was fit and ready and could I box on 22 May, I jumped at the chance.
"I was due to fight next on the Amir Khan undercard at the 02 Arena in June but I really fancied getting back in the ring sooner so it was a great opportunity."
Boyle's record, meanwhile, is 12-1.
Nathan Cleverly was a very big favorite at William Hill. Round betting paid the big bucks as would any wager on Billy Boyle.
Cleverly vs. Boyle Fight Odds:
Boyle to win pays US$800 for every US$100 bet
Round betting available here
