Freddie Roach: 'I'd love to coach Nathan Cleverly'

Freddie Roach has insisted that Nathan Cleverly has the quality to unify the light-heavyweight division.

Cleverly faces Shawn Hawk on Saturday as he defends his WBO title in America for the first time, and after Roach witnessed the 25-year-old Welshman train in his gym in Hollywood, he has admitted that he would jump at the chance to train the undefeated fighter.

Roach said: "I wouldn't hesitate to take him on. He's definitely talented, I'd love to have him.

"We haven't discussed him coming here yet but he's here and maybe there's a reason why he is here.

"I think he is at the right stage where a unification fight would be good for him and he has the potential to beat any of the world champions."

The 52-year-old recently parted ways with Amir Khan after coaching the Bolton fighter since 2008.