Golden Boy keen to showcase Cleverly in States

Oscar De La Hoya has revealed Golden Boy Promotions would welcome the chance to showcase the talents of WBO light heavyweight holder Nathan Cleverly in the United States.

The undefeated Welshman, 25, fights on American soil for only the second time in his career this Saturday when he defends his title against South Dakota underdog Shawn Hawk at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Cleverly (24-0, 11 knockouts) is currently promoted by Frank Warren in the UK and Europe but Golden Boy president De La Hoya reckons they can work together on his side of the Atlantic – with a big-money clash against Bernard Hopkins on the agenda for all concerned.

“Nathan Cleverly is a guy anyone would want to promote. He has great potential,” De La Hoya told BBC Radio Wales. “And we feel this Saturday is crucial for his career here in America and I'm anxiously waiting to see what happens.

“It is very feasible that we could promote him. He has a promoter in the UK in Frank Warren and we work great with Frank. Promoting Nathan is very doable and we would be honoured to partner up with Frank and promote Cleverly here in the States.

“Nathan needs to make a splash inside the ring. If the fans love him, in boxing things can change for you overnight and this is his chance.”

As for Hopkins versus Cleverly – THE RING’s Nos. 1 and 3 at 175 pounds, respectively – happening some time in 2013, De La Hoya is very optimistic.

“There are a lot of champions around but the king of the light heavyweight division is Bernard Hopkins,” he said. “A coming out party for Cleverly in the United States would be a tremendous fight. That could be very possible.”