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Promoter Frank Warren has stated that Nathan Cleverly could defend his WBO world light heavyweight title for the fourth time as boxing returns to London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall on April 28. It would be the first time boxing has been held at the venue this century… the last bout there was between Julius Francis and Danny Williams for the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles in 1999.
The 5,000 capacity hall, a stunningly sumptuous structure, has been bereft of boxing of late. Credit: David Samuel
Speaking at the post fight press conference following Cleverly’s shut-out victory over Tommy Karpency on his homecoming to Wales, Warren believes that Cleverly (24-0-0, 11ko) is the best man to take boxing back to the Royal Albert Hall.
He said: “There has been no professional boxing there for many, many years, it is probably the best venue in the country, the most prestigious venue. You could not get a better name and a better representative for British boxing than Nathan, to showcase professional boxing back there but we’ll sort that out in one or two days.”
He added: “I don’t know if Nathan will be ready for that but I would not mind him being the guy to take boxing back there.”
If Cleverly were to fight on April 28, it would coincide with Bernard Hopkins’ rematch with Chad Dawson in defence of his WBC world light heavyweight title and Warren hinted of a more direct link between Cleverly and the big name Americans.
“Nathan is coming on in leaps and bounds and all our attention will now of course turn to April 28 and the Bernard Hopkins versus Chad Dawson fight, then we will be making a big decision about a fight in the summer.
“Nathan needs big fights, he rises to them and he has a fabulous temperament.”
On being asked about the possibility, Cleverly seemed keen to stay busy. He said: “I’ll be fine for April, I’ll be good. I can keep active and it won’t hurt as well, a few more fights as world champion to gain experience as world champion is good.”
Although no opponent is certain, Cleverly knows what he wants: “It’s important that as world champion we get good quality fights, a world ranked opponent to keep my progression going as world champion ready for the step up to the unification fights.”
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