Nathan Cleverly vs. Tommy Karpency – Press Conference, Cardiff, Wales

Venue: Cardiff Hilton, Wales

Nathan Cleverly (23-0, 11 Ko’s) will be making the 3^rd defence of his WBO Light Heavyweight title against Tommy Karpency 21-2-1, 14 Ko’s on Saturday, February 25^th, 2012.

The venue for the fight is Cardiff Motorpoint Arena and will be broadcast LIVE on BoxNation.

Promoter Frank Warren hosted today’s press conference in front of the media and was joined by WBO Light Heavyweight Champion Nathan Cleverly and trainer Vincent Cleverly, to announce the World Championship fight between Welshman Cleverly and American challenger Tommy Karpency.

Here are some quotes from today’s press conference:

Nathan Cleverly

Nathan Cleverly on opponent Karpency: “I saw him back when I was studying to fight Karo Murat, last year. He’s a southpaw and I’ve got to adapt to that. He’s tough, rugged and strong. But overall, he’s got a style I think, I’ll look good against. He will be quite tough to breakdown.”

Fighting in Wales: “Four years since I last fought here. So, to comeback as World Champion and hopefully ignite Welsh boxing again. It’s a Great opportunity to bring Welsh boxing back and the Glory years back. I hope, I can spearhead that. There’s a lot of Welsh talent showcasing their skills, as well on the undercard.”

On Training: “Training Well. Training much better for this fight, than the Bellew fight to be honest. Preparartion is going well”

Frustration about a Big Fight? No, definitely not frustrated, I’m happy with the way things have gone. I’ve got to realise, sometimes, that I’m only 24. I’ve got plenty of time on my side. The big fights will come. I’ve got to keep winning, put on good displays and sooner or later – the big fights will happen, that’s what we are working towards. We’re just around the corner from big unification fights.

Nathan of Froch: “He ( Froch) has mentioned it before in interviews. It’s a fight that can be easily made between two British guys, with a World title on the line. Yes, Why not?” (fight)

Frank Warren

On the return to Wales: “It’s a Homecoming for Nathan; it’s been a long time coming. I promised him after the fight in Liverpool against, Tony Bellew, that if he won the fight – and he did, that we would be back here. It’s a chance for Wales to come out and see its new Prince and Champion. To see him in action making the first of many defences here.

We are in talks with Cardiff City Football Club, to do an open air show in early June. It’s all about Nathan delivering a good performance against Karpency and then we can deliver a big fight on home soil. Hopefully, a Unification in June and another big one in September.”

Frank Warren on Tommy Karpency:

“Tommy Karpency is a good fighter. If you look at his record he’s had 24 fights, one more than Nathan’s had. He’s a year older than Nathan. They have a common opponent in Karo Murat. Who he, (Karpency) went to fight in Germany. If anyone saw the Murat vs. Cleverly fight; they know the calibre and what a good fighter he is (Murat). He gave Nathan a really good, tough fight. For Tommy Karpency to go to Germany and lose on points there; shows he’s got a good chin. He’s never been stopped. So, it would be a feather in Nathan’s cap to stop him. He’s also ranked at Cruiserweight, so is a big guy, bigger than Nathan but says he can make the weight.”

Frank Warren on Carl Froch: “Froch lost his title because he can’t defend; he fought Ward and got found out. Come and fight Nathan, step up a weight. I’d make the Froch fight in a heartbeat. If Carl Froch wants it in June, let’s make that. He’s made for Nathan.”

------------------------------------

There will also be another title fight on the card (to be announced next week) and Enzo Maccarinelli.

The undercard so far will see a host of Welsh emerging talent including: Tobias Webb, Craig Evans, Francis Robinson, Lewis Rees and Liam Williams.

To purchase tickets:

Motorpoint Arena Box Office: 02920 224 466

www.livenation.co.uk

Ticket Prices: £40, £50, £75, £100 & £120

BoxNation is on Sky channel 456, Virgin channel 546 for more information visit www.boxnation.tv