European title can be springboard for Cleverly
Nathan Cleverly believes winning the European light-heavyweight belt on Saturday night will provide a "firm platform" to elevate himself to world title level.
The 22-year-old admits he has one eye on the bigger picture but believes winning the European Boxing Union belt would be a career highlight anyway.
He told Press Association Sport: "First and foremost it's a matter of collecting the European belt. By winning the European, though, you are setting yourself a firm platform to go on to world title level which is obviously the ultimate goal."
Cleverly squares off against Italian veteran Antonio Brancalion at Wembley Arena aiming to add the vacant Continental title to the British and Commonwealth belts he already possesses. A 19th professional win from as many fights would enhance Cleverly's world title credentials, with the Welshman already ranked highly by the WBO and WBC.
He added: "That would complete my collection of the top 'domestic' belts with the British and Commonwealth I already have and that's a major achievement in itself."
Cleverly is just happy to finally get in the ring, after the Brancalion fight was twice postponed due to logistical and promotional issues.
"It's been a bit frustrating because we had the date set initially for December 5 and then the Italians won the purse bids for January 29 but couldn't stage the fight," he explained.
"So they've messed us around a bit and it's been frustrating, but you get these setbacks in boxing and you've just got to come through them. I'm just raring to go now and get in there to win the European belt."
Cleverly admits 'home' advantage - albeit in England rather than his native Wales - is also a boost.
"It may be a blessing in disguise because it's not in Italy now, we're in Britain. It could have worked out for the best. This is my fourth time in a row in London and each time I've come here I've been successful and enjoyed the atmosphere so I'm glad to be back to be honest."
Date published :
10 Feb 2010 - 17:03:26
