Boxing: Cleverly agrees to Bellew fight

Cleverly is undefeated in 22 professional bouts (GETTY IMAGES)

WBO light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly will defend his title against Tony Bellew in October, with the winner facing a potential clash with American legend Bernard Hopkins.

Bellew was granted a shock world title shot at Cleverly in May and engaged in a fiery press conference, only to pull out hours later as he could not make the weight. Cleverly went on to defend his belt against Poland's Aleksy Kuziemski inside four rounds, but will now belatedly come toe-to-toe with Bellew on 15 October at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

Cleverly comes into the fight undefeated in 22 professional bouts, while Bellew has won 16 without loss. Caerphilly-born Cleverly believes Bellew is fortunate to get a world title shot. "There has been a bit of a grudge developing," he said. "Does he really deserve a world title shot? No, but it is a fight that I want to get out of the way."