Cleverly lands British title shot
2008-08-19 20:04:20
Unbeaten light-heavyweight hope Nathan Cleverly has secured a British title tilt with champion Dean Francis.
The 21-year-old's clash with experienced Francis is provisionally scheduled for 10 October at Everton Park Sports Centre in Liverpool.
Blackwood boxer Cleverly has won all 12 of his fights and is trained by Joe Calzaghe's father and coach Enzo.
Francis, 34, has won 30 (24 by knock-out) and lost just three pro fights since his debut in 1994.
Francis took the title from Tony Oakey in his last outing in June and is also the Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion.
Francis is unbeaten since stepping up from super-middleweight to light-heavyweight in 2003.
He represents a significant step up in class of opponent for Cleverly, who senior stable-mate Joe Calzaghe says will one day rule the world.
Cleverly's last outing was against Antonio Baker in April when he became the first Welshman to fight in Las Vegas for 25 years.
