Nathan Cleverly: Ex-world champion aims to kickstart career

Former world light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly is hoping to kickstart his career with victory over Shawn Corbin.

Cleverly will make his cruiserweight debut against WBC Caribbean champion Corbin in Cardiff on Saturday.

The Welshman returns to the ring for the first time since losing his WBO light-heavyweight title to Sergey Kovalev in August 2013.

"I want to eradicate the memory of that last defeat," Cleverly said.

"[If I return] with a win and really get the momentum going again, chapter two could be a fantastic journey for me."

Cleverly says he spent time away from the ring to come to his own decision about his future.

During his nine months away from the ring he has changed weight division, trainer and promoter.

"I just took a step back from boxing for a bit and made decisions on my own," he said.

"There were so many people around me. Everyone had an input, everyone was telling me do this, stay there or you should make a change.

"Everyone had a different opinion but ultimately I just had to take a step back and decide for myself - and that's what I've done.

"I just had a bit of time on my own, felt where my heart was and what was best for me.

"Bit by bit that's allowed me time to grow into the cruiserweight division and mentally and physically have a good rest. I'm ready to go again."

Injuries have delayed the 27-year-old's comeback three times, but he says he is now comfortably "around" the division's 14st 4lb limit - nearly two stones heavier than the last time he fought.

Cleverly weighed in at 14st 2lb for Saturday's bout, with Corbin registering 13st 13lb on the scales.

"It's a big jump in weight. You're talking 25lbs jump in weight difference," Cleverly added.

"Bit by bit I've been doing more strength training, my diet has changed a little bit - a more calorie diet and a higher protein diet and less cardio work.

"Gradually I'm hitting that weight limit.

"Hopefully I'm going to be hitting harder but I feel I've got more energy as well with this added weight.

"I'm no longer struggling to make the weight so that's a real privilege for me."