Nathan Cleverly to defend title against Shawn Hawk in LA

The American, 28, steps in at short notice and replaces Ryan Coyne who was forced out of the big showdown because of contractual problems.
Welsh ring idol Cleverly said: “He has a good record with a high KO ratio. So he’s a big puncher and I won’t treat him lightly because I can’t get careless or reckless.

“He has a big opportunity by coming in late for a world title bid. He has nothing to lose. He is dangerous but I will be on my guard.”

Hawk, known as the Sioux Warrior because of his American-Indian background, has 23 wins, two losses and a draw to his name and jumped at the chance when the offer to fight Cleverly landed.

He has stopped 17 of his opponents – 15 of them inside three round – and holds win over decent men like Otis Griffin and Henry Buchanan.

Cleverly, 25, warned: “I will be aiming to look good and will definitely be trying to take him out.

Cleverly admitted that the late switch has caused him a slight problem. He has sparred with southpaw boxers preparing for Coyne while South Dakota’s Hawk is orthodox.

“If I go on my fighting instincts I should be fine on fight night. I should be able to do the business.

“I got to the stage where I didn’t care anymore who I was fighting. I decided I was ready to come here and fight whoever it is.”