Nathan Cleverly retains title with points win over Tony Bellew

Nathan Cleverly retained his WBO light-heavyweight title after battling a points win over Tony Bellew at the Liverpool Echo Arena last night.

After 12 tough rounds the Welshman had two judges score the contest 117-112 and 116-113 in his favour, while the third scored it a 114-114 draw.

"I think I won it in the middle rounds," Cleverly said. "I knew he would be dangerous in the first three rounds but in all honesty I thought he'd tire more, but he held in there and showed he is a brilliant challenger. He's very fit.

"I wanted to come to Liverpool and prove I'm a worthy world champion by fighting a dangerous opponent in his back yard."

Cleverly's impressive unbeaten run is now at 23 fights following last night's triumph.