Nathan Cleverly set for Cardiff comeback in May

[Mofo2]

Former world champion Nathan Cleverly is set to make his comeback to the ring in Cardiff on 17 May.

Cleverly, 27, has not fought since losing his WBO light-heavyweight title in a fourth-round stoppage to Russian Sergey Kovalev in August 2013. No opponent has been announced as yet, but Cleverly will be moving up to cruiserweight for the contest. The bout will take place on the "Second Coming" event being promoted by Eddie Hearn's Matchroom organisation.

There is a Welsh flavour to the bill. Hearn is searching for an opponent for Barry-based European Featherweight champion Lee Selby. Also on the card is a rematch between former world champion Gavin Rees against fellow Welshman Gary Buckland who beat Rees last February on points. The fact the event is being promoted by Hearn will raise eyebrows in the sport, as Cleverly has until now been promoted by Frank Warren.

Cleverly has agreed to work with Hearn on fight by fight basis. However, BBC Wales has been told Cleverly remains contracted to Warren.

"We are delighted to Welcome Nathan to the team," said Hearn.

"He's a big part of our plans here in Wales."

After being been overwhelmed by Kovalev, the Welshman has been struggling to resolve his future.

Initial talk of retirement, was followed by a move up to cruiserweight, two changes of trainer and withdrawal from three proposed fights. Cleverly's loss to Kovalev is the only blemish on his 27-fight professional career.However, the nature of his defeat raised questions over the future of the mathematics graduate in the ring.