British Boxing: Cleverly Defeats Fry At York Hall

Welshman Nathan Cleverly solidified his hold on the light heavyweight division in the UK by stopping former amateur star Courtney Fry in eight rounds last night at London's historic York Hall.

Fry, who has also fought as a cruiserweight, had the strength and skill to put up good resistance but at age 34, couldn't cope with the speed of University student Cleverly.

At 22, British and Commonwealth titlist Cleverly seems to be at the peak of his game and ripped Fry later in the bout with good combinations and bracing single shots.

Fry got through with a few good punches but Cleverly's chin held steady and he paid back the older man with far more in return.

By the eighth frame, Fry was starting to lose ground badly. A crippling right hand put the Liverpool man in deep water and the bout was called off at 2:51 of the round when Cleverly's follow up assault made the result a foregone conclusion.

Cleverly improves to 18-0 (8), having stopped his last five opponents, and remains the British and Commonwealth champion.

Fry, who came into the bout the lightest of his six year professional career, has now lost two of his last three appearances and stands at 13-3 (5).