Cleverly against the new James Toney

Nathan Cleverly will make the second defence of his Commonwealth light-heavyweight title against James Toney on February 13 in Swindon - James Obede Toney that is. Although the 28-year-old Ghanaian doesn't have quite such a formidable record as namesake James Toney, the former world cruiserweight champion, "Hot Ice" carries a heavy punch and has stopped 19 of his 23 victories early. And his name provoked a raised eyebrow or two from unbeaten Welsh sensation Cleverly. "When matchmaker Dean Powell told me he'd got James Toney as an opponent I thought 'hold on a minute boyo', a former world cruiserweight champion and heavyweight title contender might be a bit too ambitious, even for me!" said Cleverly. "Then he mentioned his middle name and I realised it was James Obede Toney - but he'll still give me a tough fight. "I've seen some of his title fights from America and Canada, and he's been taking on world class operators like Lucien Bute and Roman Karmazin so he'll not be a push over. "I fought an African in my last fight and knocked him out in four rounds, and if I can do the same against Toney then I'll be delighted because he's a very dangerous opponent." Cleverly, still only 21, picked up the Commonwealth light-heavyweight strap in October with a points win over Tony Oakey, before knocking out Douglas Otieno in Widnes in December. He's now unbeaten in 14 fights with four stoppages, and promoter Frank Warren is backing him to become a star. "I love the way Nathan fights, and if he keeps on improving like he did last year he will soon be knocking on the door at world level," said Warren. The show, co-promoted in association with Keith Mayo, will take place at the Oasis Sports Centre and is to be shown live on Sky Sports, will also feature local star Jamie Cox, who won a gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and has built an impressive nine-fight unbeaten record as a professional. "It's great to be fighting in my home city, and hopefully I can have a title fight here later this year," said Cox. "It means so much to me to be showing all my fans what I can do. Obviously the first step on the ladder is to win an English title, but I won't be happy until I've got a world title around my waist." Tickets, priced at £30 Bench, £40 Terraced, £60 Outer Ring-Side and £100 Ringside including VIP, are available from The Oasis on 01793 445 401.