Nathan Cleverly eyes Welsh glory weekend

Nathan Cleverly hopes to play his part in a stunning weekend of sporting success when he defends his world title on Saturday, 25 February.

Cleverly's WBO light-heavyweight title bout with Tommy Karpency comes after Wales' Triple Crown rugby tilt earlier that day against England at Twickenham.

The next day at Wembley, Cardiff City face Liverpool in football's Carling Cup final.

"I definitely think we've got a chance of three victories," said Cleverly.

"We've got every chance of that happening.

"It's going to be tough, but that's what makes sport so exciting."

Cleverly was speaking to BBC Sport Wales as he celebrated his 25th birthday, but is hoping to do so in more indulgent style in the wake of his 'homecoming' bout against 26-year-old American Karpency.

The Welshman intends to support the Bluebirds at Wembley on the back of his own success in his third title defence, having previously seen off Alexi Kuziemski and Tony Bellew.

"It's a massive weekend of sport and on a personal note it's great to be involved," Cleverly added.

"It's a fantastic weekend and one I'm looking forward to and to be involved in is a bonus.

"The timing's right now for me to return home with the world title and the next day we've got Cardiff v Liverpool in London.

"So I'll probably make the journey up as well the day after, like many other fans, so it's going to be great."

The fight against unheralded Karpency will be Cleverly's first in Wales since he defeated Joey Vegas on points at the Millennium Stadium in November 2007.

A one-time WBO inter-continental light-heavyweight title challenger, Karpency has 21 wins from 24 fights, including 14 knockouts.

Karpency lost to Karo Murat for the WBO inter-continental light-heavyweight belt in May 2010 and has fought only once since then.

However, Cleverly is guarding against complacency as he aims to dominate his division on the world stage.

"I'm living the dream at the moment being world champion," said Cleverly.

"It's been my dream since I was a young boy - to let it go at this stage would be devastating.

"So I'm going to give it everything to remain world champion.

"I've watched a few clips of my opponent. He's strong, he's tough and he's got nothing to lose so he's coming to the fight with everything to gain.

"It's a world title fight - anything can happen so I've got to be on the ball, no slip-ups and just remain undefeated.

"He's probably watched more of me, quite a few fights, studied me.

"He knows what to expect. I think it's going to be a great fight."