ALTHOUGH Nathan Cleverly says he remains focused on his world title clash with Juergen Braehmer on Saturday, the Gwent fighter admits he would relish a mouthwatering showdown with Carl Froch in the near future.

Cleverly, 24, faces the battle of his life this weekend in his WBO world light-heavyweight shot against the highly respected champion.

Should he triumph over the German at London’s O2 Arena, Cleverly could be set to face a day of reckoning with WBC world super middleweight Froch if both fighters remain undefeated.

It is a prospect that excites the unbeaten Cefn Fforest fighter.

“I’ve got nothing but respect for Froch and that would be a cracking fight down the line,” said Cleverly of the 33-year-old Nottingham boxer.

“If Froch does intend to come up to light-heavyweight, then who better to fight than me with a world title on the line?”

But, as Cleverly admits, he has to take care of business on the weekend.

“I’ve got to get a big win on the world stage first and it won’t come much bigger than Braehmer,” he said.

“He’s the only thing that I’m focused on at the moment, and I’m not taking my eye off the ball this Saturday because a win is crucial.

“First I’ve got to deal with Braehmer in style on Saturday night, then not only will Froch take me seriously, but so will the Americans.

“This is my chance to put myself in the spotlight and I intend to take it.”

The Cleverly-Braehmer fight is the main event on a card that contains another eagerly anticipated showdown between bitter rivals James DeGale and George Groves.