Nathan Cleverly "proud" to fly Welsh flag

WBO light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly has said that he is "proud" to have taken over from Joe Calzaghe as Wales's best boxing export.

The 25-year-old makes the third defence of his WBO strap against Shawn Hawk in Los Angeles tomorrow.

"It's a really proud moment for me," he said. "Joe retired, he was looking for a new star to come through and take over the mantle.

"Fortunately and thankfully I've fallen into that category.

"It's a pleasure taking on that role as world champion, keeping the flag flying high and doing the nation proud."

Cleverly previously boxed in America in 2008, beating Antonio Baker via a unanimous decision on the undercard of Calzaghe's blockbuster bout with Bernard Hopkins.