Boxing: I can go up another level, says Cleverly

Cleverly: 'My ultimate ambition is to become unified world champion' (Getty Images)

The WBO light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly believes he is still some distance from reaching his full potential.

Cleverly, who defends his title for the third time against a yet-to-be confirmed opponent in February in Cardiff, says his ambition is to unify the light-heavyweight division.

"I've only touched the surface,I feel. I'm sure there's a lot more to come," said the 24-year-old Cefn Fforest fighter. "I look at what I've achieved over the last couple of years. I've kind of just been playing with the sport, really, in terms of what I can do.

"I think I can really go and push forward. My ultimate ambition is to become unified world champion."

The veteran WBC light-heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins has been mentioned as a possible future opponent for Cleverly.