Selby burst on to the scene in 2011 when he became British and Commonwealth featherweight champion by knocking out the highly touted Stephen Smith and then domestic veteran John Simpson.
Cleverly commented, “He has the potential to come as far as I have and push on now. He’s very talented and there’s no reason why not, he’s got the boxing ability and skills. I definitely think he can follow in my footsteps.”
Both aged just 24, Cleverly and Selby have shared much of their amateur days together as Cleverly recalls, “We’re the same age and we came through the amateur scene together. We were always in the Welsh championships and he was a couple of weights below me. I’ve known he’s always had class and he’s showing that in the professional ranks now and he’s coming through very well.”
As part of a boxing boom at championship level for Wales during 2011, Selby’s success wasn’t predicted by many but Cleverly states he wasn’t surprised that his fellow Welshman shocked Britain.
“I’m not surprised by his success. He’s come from nowhere really and took his opportunity to win the British and Commonwealth title unexpectedly, but it wasn’t really a surprise to the people who knew him because he’s always had pedigree and I think he’s a very good fighter”
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