By Che McCarthy: A lot of the top British fighters have recently gained a lot of attention over the past few months, some positive, some negative. Whilst this year will see Haye, Khan, Froch and Burns all defending their respective World titles, there is one British fighter who is aiming to become a World champion and could have an amazing year ahead of him.

Recently crowned interim WBO Light-Heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly (21-0 – KO 10) already has his sights set on WBO belt holder Jeurgen Braehmer (36 – 2- 0 – KO 29). The WBO have recently demanded Braehmer to fight Cleverly next or be stripped of the title after pulling out of the unification bout with Shumenov. I believe this will be the first major test for Cleverly in what could be a very challenging yet rewarding 3 fight year for the young Brit.

Fight 1 – Juergen Braehmer;

Despite the impressive looking record and KO%, the now 32 year old Braehmer has fought predominantly 2nd tier opposition throughout his professional career. He has unquestionable power but is way too slow with his hands and across the floor to give Cleverly too many problems in this fight, who has great hand speed for a light heavyweight. Cleverly also showed in his last bout against Nadjib Mohammedi that he has a decent chin and stamina levels required to take on the better opposition in the division. Fight to possibly take place at the Millenium Stadium, Cardiff.

Fight 2 – Chris Henry

Should Cleverly come through Braehmer and become World Champion, I believe a first defence against Henry would be a reasonable fight to make. Currently ranked 11th by the WBO, with a record of (25 – 2 – 0 – KO 20) would prove a stern test for Cleverly but one I feel he would pass with relative ease. This fight could take place in the States on Henry’s home turf of Houston, Texas as Cleverly has recently stated he is willing to travel to America to fight to announce himself to American fans and gain exposure.

Fight 3 – Chad Dawson/Tavoris Cloud

Some people will think a fight against either Dawson or Cloud will have come too early in Cleverly’s career if he gets a shot against either fighter this year. With Dawson awaiting the result of the Pascal – Hopkins rematch he is tied up for the time being but should he win that fight, he may see Cleverly as a feasible opponent towards the end of the year or even early 2012. Under the tutorship of Emanuel Steward it will be interesting to see if Dawson can improve after his defeat to Pascal last summer. Alternatively, IBF Champion Tavoris Cloud would be another tough test for Cleverly. Two unbeaten fighters at this moment in time could find their paths cross sooner rather than later as Cleverly will be looking for a big name fight towards the end of the year and a fight against Cloud, potentially in the States would fit the bill perfectly.