CEFN Fforest world boxing champion Nathan Cleverly thanked the thousands of fans who turned-out to see him work-out in a blistering hot Cardiff’s city centre this weekend and promised to beat the Sergey Kovalev on Saturday 17th August at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena.

With the sun beating down, Cleverly put on an awesome power-packed display in a specially constructed ring on Queen Street that thrilled the crowd as he showed off his impressive skills ahead of his showdown with the terrifying challenger who has knockout all but two of his 22 opponents.

It’s the biggest fight of Cleverly’s life, but the unbeaten star promised that the world title will stay in Wales and he’ll inflict the first loss to KO king Kovalev’s record.

“It was a fantastic day and I want to thank all the fans who came out to see me and support me ahead of the fight against Kovalev,” Said Cleverly “I’ve been locked away hard in training for this crucial world title defence so I don’t often get the opportunity to get out and about and meet with the fans, but it was great to meet with them in person today, have a chat, do some autographs and pics and listening to their good luck messages.

“The pressure is on me, I’m defending my world title in my home city, I’m going in against a challenger who’s unbeaten and who nobody wanted to face, who’s wiped-out virtually everybody he’s fought and will be intent on taking my head off. All I say is bring it on, I perform best when the heat is on and it doesn’t get any hotter than this.”

The British Army and Fire Brigade also turned out to support Cleverly and the fans were given a special treat as eight-year-old amateur boxer Jay Pitman gave a sensational display including hitting his trainer’s handpads blindfolded. Another Welsh amateur, Rhys Edwards, 13, wowed the crowd with his showing of handspeed and power.

He added, “I was really impressed with Jay, for an eight-year-old, he is a sensational talent who, if he sticks with the sport, could become another Welsh world champion in the future. “Rhys is another super prospect and his hand speed and footwork reminded me of Joe Calzaghe. When these two are world champions maybe I’ll be the one watching them doing work-outs in Cardiff city centre!”

Also putting on a show for the crowds were the Welsh boxers featuring on the card including British Super-Featherweight Champion Gary Buckland, who defends his title against Stephen Smith, and Enzo Maccarinelli, who bids to win the Commonwealth light-heavyweight title against champion Ovill McKenzie. Unbeaten talents Lewis Rees, Liam Williams and Craig Evans were also put through their paces along with the next generation of Welsh star who all make their pro debuts at the Motorpoint Arena, Aled Cook, Danni Griffiths and Rhys Evans.

l Remaining tickets, priced from £40, are available from: Cardiff Motorpoint Arena Box Office on 02920 224 488 or Eventim 0844 249 1000 Cleverly v Kovalev is live and exclusive in the UK on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546). Join at www.boxnation.com