23.08.05 – Light-welterweight prospect Nathan Cleverley aims to make the A grade in the boxing ring but he has already hit double A’s in his Maths and Physics A-levels. Also landing a B in French, Cleverley has won a place at Cardiff University to study for a BSc in Mathematics whilst he continues to learn the sweet science at Enzo Calzaghe’s gym.
Cleverley, from Blackwood in Gwent, aims to combine his training alongside his studies and is next out on the undercard of Joe Calzaghe’s WBO World Super-Middleweight title defence against Evans Ahsira at the Cardiff International Arena on Saturday 10 September – just before he starts term.
“I’m delighted with the results and now I’m looking to produce the same results in my boxing career,” said the 18-year-old hot-shot.
Cleverley, who made his pro-debut in July with an impressive points win over experienced veteran Ernie Smith, continued, “It’s going to be tough over the next three years whilst I study maths at Cardiff Uni and train at Enzo’s gym but I’m dedicated and will stick to it and by the end of that time I aim to have my degree and also a British title to add to my CV,”
He fell in love with boxing when he watched Calzaghe’s sensational win over British fight legend Chris Eubank nearly eight years ago.
“Joe’s the reason I got into boxing. I made my father take my to the gym after I saw Joe beat Eubank for the world title but my mum was dead against it! To train and spar with him now is a dream. When we spar it’s more for speed work but the guy is so fast and accurate,” he added.
He finished by saying, “People might think I’m mad to be getting into the ring and fighting when I’ve got the brains to go to university but I love the sport and know I can reach the top.”
Cleverley is not the only Welsh boxing brain. Former Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight Champion Nicky Piper is a member of Mensa with a 153 IQ.
Calzaghe headlines the show with the 17th defence of his title against Ashira and special attraction on the undercard features Olympic Silver Medallist Amir Khan in his second professional fight against Baz Carey to be televised live on ITV1.
The rest of the undercard features an exciting welterweight clash between Belfast hitter Neil Sinclair and Cardiff’s Lee ‘Taz’ Jones for the Vacant Celtic crown.
Finally, Pontypool’s unbeaten welterweight Tony Doherty, Rhondda Valley light-welter Barrie Jones and Merthyr middleweight Kerry Hope complete the card.
Only a few tickets remain for ‘The Final Countdown’, priced at £35, £50, £75 and £125, and are available from
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