Welsh fight-ace Nathan Cleverly has been tipped as a star to watch out for this year by leading free publication Sport Magazine.
Interim World Boxing Organization (WBO) Light-Heavyweight Champion Cleverly features in ’11 Stars for 2011′ that has named sportsmen and women expected to make the headlines this year – and Ceverly is the ONLY boxer to be picked.
The undefeated 23-year-old from Cefn Fforest joins Tottenham’s man of the moment Gareth Bale, young football sensations Erik Lamela – who is tipped to be the new Lionel Messi – and Barcelona’s Thiago Alcantara, Korean golfer Noh Seung Yul, Leicester scrum-half Ben Youngs and US sprinter Allyson Felix.
Last year was the best of Cleverly’s career that saw him win the British, European and Interim World title; graduate from Cardiff University with a degree in Mathematics and named the Boxing Writers’ Best Young Boxer of the Year.
“I couldn’t have wished to have a better year than last year, but I’ve already started this year on a high with this recognition,” said Cleverly.
“It’s great to be tipped by Sport Magazine as a sportsman to watch in 2011, especially when you look at the names that they have put me alongside,”
“I’m a massive Cardiff City fan, but I admire the talent of Bale, who is sensational player and he is also a fellow Welshman!”
“The important thing for me is to keep my feet on the ground and focus on my fights, but it’s flattering to receive this attention.”
Cleverly claimed the Interim WBO World title in December against Nadjib Mohammedi and the good news is that he will fight for the full title against holder Jurgen Braehmer next after the WBO ordered that negotiations should begin between both camps.
He added, “I’m just looking forward to my first fight this year and I’m confident that it will be Braehmer in the opposite corner unless he chicken’s out,”
“My promoter Frank Warren has done a brilliant job with my career and I’ve got every confidence that he will get me Braehmer and I’ll do my job by knocking him out.”
For the full ’11 Stars for 2011′ feature in Sport Magazine and Nathan Cleverly’s interview, go to www.sport-magazine.co.uk