Cardiff City FC have pledged their support to WBO world light-heavyweight champion, Nathan Cleverly, as he prepares for his all British fight with Tony Bellew.

With talk of a homecoming fight in the next year, Cleverly has repeatedly talked about fighting in Cardiff City’s football stadium and he would be the first boxer to fight there.

Cardiff City and Wales defender, Dary Blake, grew up with Cleverly in the South Wales Valleys and he presented Cleverly with a Bluebirds jersey reading “WBO Number 1 Champion”.  

Blake played a vital role in the Wales team that pushed England so close last week and he explained his history with Wales’ premier pugilist, “I met Nathan through local football back in the day. We obviously became friends outside of football and we were friends through our school days as we went to the same school together. Even though he’s two years older than me, we’re still good friends and we’re in the same group, my friends are his friends as well.”

Blake is yet to be able to see Cleverly box live because of his commitments to Cardiff City have clashed with fight dates, but he’s hoping to join other famous footballers in attendance for Cleverly’s next bout.

“I played well against Rooney and now Nathan has to face another Scouser. What I’ve heard is Rooney will be going to the fight to support Tony Bellew and hopefully I’ll be there to cheer on Nathan.”

Boxing is often recognised as the toughest sport in the world and it’s a notion that Blake agrees with. He said, “He’s a great world champion boxer and he deserves it. I’ve said before, when I play I’ve got 10 other people and more to help me, but Nathan’s on his own so there can be a lot of pressure on him. In previous fights he’s shown his class, I wish him all the best and I think he’ll do it and win this fight.”

“Nathan’s going to win by knockout I think. I’m not sure what round, I’ll have to ask him what round he’s going to knock him out in. I’m full of confidence he’ll win!”