Nathan Cleverly was born on February 17, 1987, in Caerphilly, Wales. He began training at a local gym as a teenager, quickly demonstrating natural talent and dedication to the sport.
In this article, you will learn Nathan Cleverly’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Nathan Cleverly’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nathan Cleverly |
| Date of Birth | February 17, 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Caerphilly, Wales |
| Nationality | Welsh |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Reach | 74-76 inches (188-193 cm) |
| Weight Class | Light Heavyweight |
| Professional Career | 2005-2017 |
| Professional Record | 30 wins (16 KOs), 4 losses |
| Major Titles | WBO Light Heavyweight Champion (2011-2013) WBA (Regular) Light Heavyweight Champion (2016-2017) |
| Other Titles | Commonwealth, British, and European Light Heavyweight Champion |
| Notable Wins | Tony Bellew, Jürgen Brähmer, Karo Murat |
| Education | BSc in Mathematics from Cardiff University (2010) |
| Nickname | “Clev” |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Retirement | August 27, 2017 (after loss to Badou Jack) |
Growing up in a working-class family, Cleverly showed an early interest in boxing.
Early Career
Nathan Cleverly’s early career demonstrated his dedication, skill, and ability to overcome challenges both in and out of the ring.
His rapid rise through the ranks set the stage for his later world championship success.
Professional Career
He made his professional debut in July 2005 at the age of 18, defeating Ernie Smith in a 4-round bout in Edinburgh.
In September 2007, Cleverly faced a tough challenge against Ugandan boxer Joey Vegas at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
He also had the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas to support Calzaghe’s bid for The Ring’s Light Heavyweight belt against Bernard Hopkins, where Cleverly also secured a victory against American boxer Antonio Baker.
Girlfriend
In earlier years of his career, Nathan Cleverly was in a relationship with Rebecca Cole.
She was described as his “gorgeous model girlfriend” who attended some of his fights to support him.

Nathan Cleverly’s Net Worth Details
Nathan Cleverly’s net worth is estimated to be $500,000 as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Fight | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| vs. Badou Jack (2017) | $100,000 |
| vs. Jürgen Brähmer (2016) | $300,000 |
| vs. Andrzej Fonfara (2015) | $250,000 |
| vs. Sergey Kovalev (2013) | $500,000 |
Career Records
| Total Fights | Wins | Losses | Wins by KO |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 30 | 4 | 16 |
FAQs
When did Nathan Cleverly retire from boxing?
Nathan Cleverly announced his retirement from professional boxing on August 27, 2017, following his loss to Badou Jack.
What was Nathan Cleverly’s most significant achievement in boxing?
Cleverly’s most significant achievement was winning the WBO light-heavyweight world title in 2011.
Did Nathan Cleverly have any other career besides boxing?
Yes, Cleverly earned a degree in mathematics from Cardiff University in 2010, showcasing his academic abilities alongside his boxing career.
Who was Nathan Cleverly’s toughest opponent?
Many consider Sergey Kovalev, who defeated Cleverly in 2013, to be his toughest opponent.
How many world titles did Nathan Cleverly win?
Cleverly won 2 world titles in his career – the WBO light-heavyweight title and the WBA light-heavyweight title.
What was Nathan Cleverly’s fighting style?
Cleverly was known for his high work rate, good technical skills, and ability to box at range or mix it up in close quarters.
What is Nathan Cleverly doing now after retirement?
Cleverly has maintained a low public profile since retirement, and there’s limited information about his current activities.
Did Nathan Cleverly ever compete in the Olympics?
No, Cleverly did not compete in the Olympics. He turned professional at a young age, bypassing the opportunity for Olympic competition.
What was Nathan Cleverly’s nickname during his boxing career?
Cleverly didn’t have a widely recognized nickname throughout his career, often simply being referred to by his full name.



