Cleverly aiming to make a name for himself
Welshman Nathan Cleverly is aiming to step out of Joe Calzaghe's shadow as his own career gathers momentum.
Cefn Forest native Cleverly fights for the vacant European light-heavyweight belt at Wembley Arena on Saturday with a world title shot not too far down the line should he win. First he must get past Italian veteran Antonio Brancalion and while he admits comparisons to fellow Welshman Calzaghe are flattering, he believes he has the talent to be a star in his own right.
"To a certain extent it's a good accolade to be compared to Joe, he's a great champion," said Cleverly.
"At the same time I want to make a legacy of my own and create my own name, be my own fighter. Down the line I'll lose that trait and become my own big name."
Cleverly is happy to focus on the European title first, however.
"It's very important," he said. "On a personal note I like to do things the traditional way, the hard way, collecting the British, Commonwealth and now hopefully the European title.
"You get more respect doing it that way. It's the route I want to take. I want to take the hard route to the top."
Date published :
13 Feb 2010 - 09:27:59
