Nathan Cleverly wins prestigious Boxing Writers' award
British pugilist Nathan Cleverly has been named 2010 Boxing Writers’ Young Boxer of the Year.
Cleverly, 23, defeated Karo Murat earlier this month in an eliminator WBO light heavyweight bout. He is widely considered one of the biggest up and coming British boxing prospects, and hopes to take on the contenders of the division.
The award is the icing on the cake for Cleverly, whose performance this year earned him the European light heavyweight belt, in a bout with Antonio Brancalion. Out of the ring he likewise graduated from university with a degree in mathematics.
With the award Cleverly joins the ranks of several other Frank Warren promoted fighters who have won the prize, including Kell Brook, Amir Khan, Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe and Naseem Hamad among others.
Cleverly is the ninth Welshman to accept the honour.
"I'm delighted and honoured to have won," a visibly pleased Cleverly said. “Britain has some of the most knowledgeable journalists in the world when it comes to boxing, and their backing is a terrific boost. Now I have to repay their faith by winning a world
title."
Warren, who has promoted nine of the last 11 to receive the prize, said: "This award reflects the hard work that Nathan has put in over the last 12 months, and I cannot think of a more deserving recipient [...] I said after his last fight that he will be remembered
alongside the likes of Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton, and I am expecting big things of him over the next year or so."
It is expected that Cleverly will challenge WBO light heavyweight champion Jurgen Brahmer sometime in the near future. He hopes to use his speed and his always improving technical abilities to outdo Brahmer. He said recently: “I am punching harder with
every fight and if Brahmer wants to back up his words then I’m here ready for him.”
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