Frustrated Nathan Cleverly may miss out on Bernard Hopkins and Sergey Kovalev

[Mofo2]

Frustrated Nathan Cleverly may miss out on Bernard Hopkins and Sergey Kovalev

WBO light-heavyweight world champion Nathan Cleverly looks set to be frustrated once again in his attempts to secure a unification bout with American legend Bernard Hopkins.

And the Cefn Fforest star could also miss out on a potential title defence against Sergey Kovalev as the rising Russian star looks set to usurp Cleverly and take on Hopkins himself.

Cleverly was due to attend a Frank Warren Promotions press conference yesterday, where he was expected to announce an August clash with Kovalev.

But that was cancelled at the last minute and rearranged for today with speculation in America that Kovalev will be Hopkins’ next opponent instead.

Kovalev won a lot of admirers Stateside by knocking out Cornelius White in three rounds last Friday and afterwards he called out the veteran IBF champion.

And with Hopkins’ losing his July 13 fight against Karo Murat due to the German’s visa issues, he could be tempted to take on Kovalev on that date instead.

Kovalev has 21 wins with 19 knockouts and just one defeat on his professional record and is now a bigger name in the crucial US TV market than the relatively unknown Cleverly.

If the fight were to be confirmed it would be a huge blow to Cleverly, who has pursued a fight with former Joe Clazaghe victim Hopkins for more than a year now.

“Although I’m due to face Bräehmer I don’t think he really wants to fight me,†said Cleverly after his unanimous points victory over Robin Krasniqi in April.

“I’m still learning but I’m winning and winning quite well now, so I want fights that test me. And that’s the elite fights now – Hopkins and those guys.

"Maybe (WBA light-heavyweight champion) Beibut Shumenov will be a good option and the winner maybe gets Hopkins.

“If he doesn’t want to come out of America I will make sure I go there and take that belt off him.â€

[Mofo2]

Clev ain't an action packed fighter, he likes to pose and pout like a fag

[Mofo2]

Bellew most definitely does but it's looking although he wont get a fight against Adonis now, looks as though he is looking to bypass his mandatory and aim for bigger fights!!!

[Mofo2]

If this is true and Kovalev chooses Hopkins i for one would love to see Bellew get a rematch with Clev, kinda makes sense

I agree, Stephenson is quoted as saying he was looking beyond Bellew, so Tony will be left hanging and Nathan has no one othe than Bellew who wants to figh him....makes sense to me too!

[Neil_]

aug 17th wales, cleverly vs kovalev. 

[Mofo2]

Damnnnn the thought of Natey unifying sends shivers down my spine....what a fag that lad is!

[Mofo2]

He has done nothing to me that suggests he warrants all the hype, when he finally does something of note....if ever....I will give him the appropriate credit!

[blackrican23]

taking all bets on this..... Clev is whipping that ass

[Mofo2]

if he does its because Kovavlev was overhyped by  Nateys fanboys I guess

[blackrican23]

Kovavlev knocking out Campillo needs no hype , that was a loud statement

[Slayer]

Bellew most definitely does but it's looking although he wont get a fight against Adonis now, looks as though he is looking to bypass his mandatory and aim for bigger fights!!!

Yeah right...we saw who beat who! Clev will always own Bellew's onedimensional, ugly ass! Oh and Adonis would take care of Bellwho in 3 rounds!