Nathan Cleverly versus Beibut Shumenov clash moves closer

by Adam D Fri 25 Nov 2011, 7:00 am

A world unification fight between WBO light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly and WBA rival Beibut Shumenov in 2012 has moved a step closer.

BBC Sport Wales understands that preliminary negotiations have taken place between the two camps.

Cleverly wants hold the fight in his native Wales but will travel to Las Vegas where Shumenov now lives.

"Beibut Shumenov, the WBA world champion, he's next in my sights," unbeaten 24-year-old Cleverly said.

"So whether that's going to be in Wales or in Las Vegas, where he's based, we're yet to find out but wherever the fight takes place I'm really looking forward to that one."

Shumenov has defended his WBA world crown on three occasions and the 28-year-old from Kazakhstan wants to unify the division, as does Cleverly.

IBF belt holder Tavoris Cloud is another rival challenger in the 175lb division.

"I want to fight the best to be considered the best 175-pounder in the world," Shumenov said previously."All of these guys talking about unifying. Well, if they really want to make it happen all they have to do is contact us.

"I told [IBO champion Jean] Pascal that I'm from Kazakhstan, he lives in Canada; so, we should fight in the capital of boxing, Las Vegas. Same goes for Cleverly, who is from the United Kingdom.

"I'm getting ready and looking forward to a fresh New Year. Hopefully, one of the other light-heavyweight world champions will put his title belt on the line against mine in a unification fight in 2012."

Cleverly has not ruled out a rematch against Tony Bellew, after defeating the Liverpudlian on points in October.

But whoever he ends up facing, Cleverly says he is yearning to fight in front of a home Welsh crowd for the first time since defeating Joey Vegas in November 2007.

"Preferably I'd love a homecoming now in Wales, it has been a long time," Cleverly said.

"Most of my fights have been all over the country but a nice homecoming in Wales, that would be another dream of mine - to come to Wales as world champion, defending my title.

"So that would be my number-one venue, otherwise if we've got to travel to Las Vegas then so be it. We'll go out there and do the business."

Cleverly's promoter Frank Warren was considering a possible fight against WBC champion Bernard Hopkins but the 46-year-old could be set for a rematch with Chad Dawson following their controversial clash in October.

There has also been talk of a possible all-Welsh clash with Enzo Maccarinelli, after the former WBO cruiserweight champion made a successful debut at 175lb after deciding to step down a division.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/15726817.stm

So a clever [ly] move for Nathan?

by bhb001 Fri 25 Nov 2011, 7:43 am

The Shumenov fight is the best for Cleverley in terms of his current level and enhancing his reputation should he win. I really hope it comes off and a fight in Vegas is a reasonable compromise, I believe. I would not be surprised if he goes for another home spun fight or against a nobody who Warren will tell everyone is dangerous. I don't want him to be another protected fighter for lots of years like Calzaghe, but the path seems to be there.

by KingMonkey Fri 25 Nov 2011, 8:15 am

There are some great fights out there for him, I really hope he takes these guys on. I don't know a lot about Shumenov but he can't be a mug so fingers crossed it happens.

by AlexHuckerby Fri 25 Nov 2011, 8:16 am

shumenov may be the weakest link at the weight however this is a good win for clev if he pulls it off - its a much faster unification than a certain other welsh boxer...

by The Galveston Giant Fri 25 Nov 2011, 8:35 am

I don't want to see Cleverly defend against the likes of Bellew again, he's a world champion and it's about time he started facing world class opponents.

by AlexHuckerby Fri 25 Nov 2011, 8:48 am

shumdnov holds a belt and will be his hardest opponent yet.

by Valero's Conscience Fri 25 Nov 2011, 10:06 am

I'll give Cleverley every credit 'if' he fights Shumenov.

This would be very much unlike a Warren fighter to fight decent opposition!

by The Galveston Giant Fri 25 Nov 2011, 10:33 am

I would also give him credit, but he needs to look at Calzaghe and see how defending Warrens belt against mediocre opposition can seriously hurt your career/legacy. He still had a bit of learning to do but he can do no more learning at the level he's at now, now is as good a time as any to step and i wish him luck, one more crap opponent though and my patience will have gone.

by Lance Fri 25 Nov 2011, 10:51 am

usual stuff from cleverly. talking about top opponents in one breath, yet pathing the way for an easy defence in wales in the next. id be shocked if he didnt defend against a euro bum early next year in wales, whilst in the build up to the fight constantly name dropping top fighters and saying he deserved a home coming. sounds like the same is gonna happen for ricky burns too in scotland early next year

by monzon Fri 25 Nov 2011, 7:28 pm

I think Nathan's a big occasion fighter. He's sometimes laboured against what some might deem unremarkable, or at least not big-name opponents. If we could get, say, Cloud or Pascal over to the UK, i'd stick him in with one of them and i think he'd put on a show.

by Sponsored content

Nathan Cleverly versus Beibut Shumenov clash moves closer

Nathan Cleverly versus Beibut Shumenov clash moves closer

Re: Nathan Cleverly versus Beibut Shumenov clash moves closer

Re: Nathan Cleverly versus Beibut Shumenov clash moves closer

Re: Nathan Cleverly versus Beibut Shumenov clash moves closer

Re: Nathan Cleverly versus Beibut Shumenov clash moves closer

Re: Nathan Cleverly versus Beibut Shumenov clash moves closer

Re: Nathan Cleverly versus Beibut Shumenov clash moves closer

Re: Nathan Cleverly versus Beibut Shumenov clash moves closer

Re: Nathan Cleverly versus Beibut Shumenov clash moves closer

Re: Nathan Cleverly versus Beibut Shumenov clash moves closer

Re: Nathan Cleverly versus Beibut Shumenov clash moves closer