Nathan Cleverly will defend his WBO light-heavyweight title for the fourth time on Saturday after Shawn Hawk stepped in as a late replacement.
The 25-year-old had been due to fight Ryan Coyne in Los Angeles but the American withdrew because of a contract dispute with former agent Don King.Cleverly feared he may have to fight a 10-round non-title bout but American Hawk is set to challenge his title. “He has a good record with a high KO ratio.,” Cleverly said.
“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.
“I will be aiming to look good and will definitely be trying to take him out.”
The 28-year-old has won 23 of his 26 fights but Hawk lost his last fight on points to champion Eleider Alvarez in a WBO NABO light-heavyweight title clash in June.
Cleverly had been originally been scheduled to defend his WBO light-heavyweight title against Coyne.
But the American said his contractual dispute with former agent Don King put paid to the fight. “Much as I hate to say it, this fight will not be going forward with myself involved in it,” Coyne told BBC Wales. “This is the biggest disappointment of my career.