WBO World Light-Heavyweight Champion Nathan Cleverly will make his homecoming title defence against American Tommy Karpency on Saturday 25th February.

The unbeaten Welshman has his first fight in Wales for over four years when he takes on Karpency at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 456/Virgin Ch. 546).

 

Cleverly recorded the best win of his career when he beat rival Tony Bellew last October in a thrilling, all-action, fight that saw the 24-year-old win on points.

 

An offer went to WBA title-holder Beibut Shumenov to face Cleverly, but he said he would not be ready in time - although it could happen later this year.

 

WBC Champion Bernard Hopkins was also sent an offer, but Hopkins has a forthcoming rematch with Chad Dawson.

 

WBA number 11 ranked Karpency, 25, has a good record of 21 wins from 24 fights and 14 knockouts and last year took Karo Murat - who Cleverly beat in September 2010 - the full twelve rounds.

 

"This is my first fight in Cardiff for a long time and I'm looking forward to putting on a good show for my fans' against Karpency," said Cleverly.

 

"My return has created a big interest in Wales and it's going to be a fantastic welcome home on 25th February at the Motorpoint Arena,"

 

"I've trained over Christmas and I'm in great shape already and we're still over seven weeks' away from the fight so I'll be spot on come fight night,"

 

"Karpency looks like a tough fighter and he took Murat the distance last year and Murat gave me a hard fight,"

 

"I've got big plans for this year that I hope will include a unification fight so I've got to keep busy and beat Karpency in style."

Tickets for Cleverly v Karpency from £40 are available from the Motorpoint Arena Box Office on 02920 224 488