Cleverly to defend his title in America

Nathan Cleverly will defend his WBO crown in America on November 10.

The Welsh light-heavyweight was set to face Vyacheslav Uzelkov in Cardiff later this month, but will now appear on the undercard of Abner Mares-Leo Santa Cruz in Los Angeles.

The show will be promoted by Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, fueling rumours that Cleverly is being lined up for a clash with Bernard Hopkins.

"It's a dream come true to defend my world title in America," Cleverly said.

"On such a big show it takes my career to a whole new level, it's a golden opportunity to make a big statement that I'm the leading man in the light-heavyweight division.

"It will be exciting and challenging to get the recognition of the American fans and media and prove to them that I'm the real thing.

"Of course, I love fighting and headlining in front of my Cardiff home fans, but this shows that I'm not scared to leave my home comforts and risk my title by putting it on the line in another country, that's what being a world champion is all about, I relish the challenge.

"It's a big test in my career, but I'm ready and won't be overawed. I think that this will give my performance a sharper edge because I'm not at home and the pressure to perform will be on me."

Cleverly has fought in the United States once before, defeating Antonio Baker on the undercard of Joe Calzaghe v Bernard Hopkins in 2008.