Nathan Cleverly beats Juergen Braehmer to win WBA light-heavyweight title

Nathan Cleverly lost his WBO light-heavyweight title to Sergey Kovalev in 2013

Wales' Nathan Cleverly beat Juergen Braehmer in Germany to claim the WBA 'regular' light-heavyweight title.

Braehmer was pulled out by his corner at the start of the seventh round with a dislocated right elbow.

Cleverly, 29, is the first Welshman to lose and regain a world title at the same weight, although he only holds the WBA's secondary belt.

Russia's Sergey Kovalev, who took the WBO title from Cleverly in 2013, is the WBA's so-called 'super' champion.

Braehmer, 37, was stopped for the first time in a 51-fight career and defeated for only the third time, while Cleverly now has 30 wins from 33 professional fights.

The pair set a frantic pace in the first six rounds in Neubrandenburg, with Cleverly showing discipline and a solid chin as he absorbed some powerful shots from the champion.

However, Cleverly enjoyed some success with body shots and was throwing a far greater number of punches, culminating in a strong sixth round that left Braehmer unable to continue.

"If Braehmer wants a rematch he can have one, but I broke him up. The younger lion won," said Cleverly.

Cleverly had originally been scheduled to face Braehmer in 2011 but the German suffered an eye injury in training.