Boxing: Nathan Cleverly too good for brave Hawk

Published on 12/11/2012 00:00

Nathan Cleverly retained his WBO light-heavyweight title with an eighth-round stoppage win over Shawn Hawk in Los Angeles. Defending the belt for the fourth time, Cleverly floored a game challenger three times in an eye-catching showing that keeps him on track for high-profile unification showdowns in 2013.

Cleverly stepped up the pace in round seven and superb attacks to the body lay at root of Hawk being knocked down twice. And referee Tony Crebs called a halt in the next round after a left hook to the kidneys had Hawk sagging.

Meanwhile, in Hamburg, world heavyweight champion Vladimir Klitschko was made to go the distance against Polish challenger Mariusz Wach but earned an unanimous points decision on Saturday.