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Q & A with Nathan Cleverly


While the Light Heavyweight division is largely dominated by 40+ year old veteran’s in the shape of Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones Jnr, Antonio Tarver & Glen Johnson there are a few younger guys who are looking to break through. One of these is Welshman Nathan Cleverly who is a former protege of Joe Calzaghe having learnt his trade early on with his his countryman. However when the Calzaghe’s relationship with Sports Network deteriorated Cleverly had to decide what he was going to do. He chose to stay with Frank Warren who promptly rewarded his young charge with a shot at the vacant Commonwealth title which Cleverly impressively won. Fast forward 16 months and it’s been onwards and upwards as Cleverly has dominated all in his way winning the British Title last summer and most recently claiming the European crown. Cleverly took time out of a hectic schedule. As well as being a Boxer he’s in Cardiff University where he’s studying for a Maths degree. Next up he hope’s to become Wales 10th World Champion.

Hello Nathan, welcome to 15rounds.com

Anson Wainwright – Firstly Nathan, you won the European Light Heavyweight title last time out. What can you tell us about the fight? How did you rate your performance?

Nathan Cleverly – Yeah it was a great fight, a great occasion for me being the main event on such an occasion. It was such a big night of Boxing. A lot was on my shoulders, a lot of pressure, a lot of expectation. I think i showed a mature performance and pulled off a very good victory, in very good fashion. It was a very good display.

Anson Wainwright – It’s been a whirlwind 12 months since you won Commonwealth title and then added the British title last summer and now the European crown. What can you tell us about what has happened?

Nathan Cleverly – It’s happened so quickly in the space of 16 months i’ve had 7 Championship fights within those 7 fights i’ve picked up the Commonwealth title. I beat Tony Oakey, he was one of the toughest guys out there at the time. That was my first championship fight at Light Heavyweight, my first 12 rounder, i was 21 years of age. That was a massive break through onto the championship scene. I followed that with a series of KO victories. Followed by the British title fight, that was on ITV4 a lot of the Boxing public were able to see it with it being on terrestrial tv.

Anson Wainwright – Some people liked McIntosh going into your fight, seeing it as a 50-50 fight.

Nathan Cleverly – Yeah i think it was the manner in which i beat McIntosh. It was a standout fight which i dominated, another great performance. That was for the British title. Then obviously a nice defence against Courtney Fry who was a star amateur (Fry fought at 2000 Olympics) that was a nice defence for the Lonsdale belt that set me up nicely for the European title which i won in good fashion. So yeah it’s been a tremendous 16 months. Which has happened so quickly, it’s great it’s become reality. I’ve put my dreams into reality.

Anson Wainwright – Any idea when you’ll be back in action?

Nathan Cleverly – I think it’ll be around June time now. I’ve had a bit of a break since the last fight because it’s been such a busy year. I’ve Freshened up and I’ll comeback even stronger. So yeah, i think June time.

Anson Wainwright – Your currently a Maths Student as well as a Boxer. How do you divide your time between the two?

Nathan Cleverly – It’s challenging but at the same time very enjoyable. It’s nice that the Maths studies draws me away from Boxing sometimes which can be a good thing. It can be to much and get on top of you. Maths pulls me away an vice versa with the stress of the studies. Yeah it’s challenging around exam time and fight time. But the rewards are there when i pass my exams and have success in my title fights. All the hard work is worth it for that one moment.

Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you use to train at mainly?

Nathan Cleverly – Frank Warren who i’ve signed a contract with is my promoter & manager. Obviously my dad Vince and Alan Davies are my co-trainers. At the moment it’s working out to be a great team. The results are there to show.

Anson Wainwright – Your record of 19-0(9) doesn’t suggest you are a big puncher however you have stopped your last 6 opponents all inside 8 rounds. What do you attribute this too? How much do you think your power has come on over the last year?

Nathan Cleverly – Yeah it’s to do with a number of things. I couldn’t put my finger on one thing. Growing into a true Light Heavyweight with natural development, age, moving from a young man to a seasoned pro. Your going to get stronger with that. And a few changes in training with my Dad and Alan have obviously worked. I’ve probably turned into a world class puncher as well as a technical and fast boxer.

Anson Wainwright – Earlier in your career you were with The Calzaghe’s. Though you are no longer with them do you still speak or have any sort of relationship with Joe or Enzo or any of the other fighters from that camp?

Nathan Cleverly – Yeah, obviously i lost a bit of contact with them at the start when we went our separate ways. But Joe has always dropped me a text before every fight wishing me all the best. Obviously we don’t live far from each other. I see him out in the local town over a couple of nights. We get on great. They know i made the right decision and it’s no point Boxing ruining our friendship. We’re still friends. It’s a pity we had to break away. I had to do what was best for my career.

Anson Wainwright – Your from Cefn Forest in Wales, can you tell us about your younger days and how you first got into Boxing?

Nathan Cleverly – I was brought up in a place called Phillipstown in New Tredegar which is a notorious rough area. There aren’t many facilities around, so i found myself involved in street fights. I was very competitive. I wanted to channel my aggression & excess energy into a controlled environment which was the boxing gym. I found i had a talent for fighting. Since my first amateur fight i’ve never looked back. I knew my career was in Boxing.

Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do with your spare time when your not Boxing or studying?

Nathan Cleverly – I just try to relax and take my mind away from Boxing. Sometimes it’s nice to get away from my books and stress of study. I just try to get away from them when i can. I have a few games of Football with my mates locally. A few nights out, it’s good to have a healthy social life. I go away on a few weekends around the country. Anything really that gets me away from Boxing and studying.

Anson Wainwright – Who is your Boxing hero?

Nathan Cleverly – I’d say Joe Calzaghe & Oscar De La Hoya. Joe was an inspiration to me when i first started Boxing. De La Hoya was a brilliant fighter. He has a brilliant attitude he takes on everyone. He’s a great speaker, looks good. He’s a good role model.

Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing?

Nathan Cleverly – To be undisputed Light Heavyweight champion. I think that’s would be great would be great. That’s where i see myself really. Maybe in a couple of years holding all the titles at Light Heavyweight. Beating all the top names out there. That’s the ultimate.

Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans in Britain and for people who may see this in America?

Nathan Cleverly – Just sit up and take note of my career. Everytime i step into the ring i excite, put a good show for the supporters & fans. I put my heart on the line. I look to entertain and put on a show. I hope the fans enjoy the journey to collect a world title.

Thanks for your time Nathan & good luck with your studies and Boxing.

Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com

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