Cleverly does the maths
Maths student Nathan Cleverly has sounded an ominous warning to his world title rivals, insisting boxing is merely "a hobby" for him until he graduates this summer.
Welshman Cleverly seized the European light-heavyweight belt with a stylish fifth-round stoppage win over Antonio Brancalion at Wembley Arena on Saturday night and has set his sights on a world title tilt when he graduates in May.
"Listen, I'm still a mathematics student in university. I haven't taken this sport seriously yet, this is just a hobby for me. I promise you," said Cleverly. "I'm just part-time in the gym really and it's a hobby, this is all just fun. My education comes first and when I graduate, you're going to see another 25%."
He added: "In the last 18 months I've really matured and grown into a light-heavyweight.
"There's another 25% to come and I'm starting to show that I'm a knockout puncher as well, to go along with the boxing skills."
Indeed, Cleverly has matured physically in the last 18 months and is noticeably stronger at the weight.
A slick showing of speed, skill and power saw him comfortably beat Brancalion while hardly taking a shot from the Italian.
"If Frank (Warren) thinks I'm ready for the move then I'll step up and definitely take that title," he said.
"On May 27 I graduate and then I'll become world champion. Along with Kevin Mitchell, we're going to get that world title."
The form book suggests both might succeed. As chief support in London, Dagenham's Mitchell set up a WBO lightweight title shot with an emphatic second-round knockout of Colombian Ignacio Mendoza.
Date published :
15 Feb 2010 - 10:48:51
