Saturday 17 October 2015 16:04, UK
Nathan Cleverly’s bid to secure a world title shot suffered a major blow after he suffered a painful points defeat to Poland's Andrzej Fonfara in Chicago.
Cleverly, 28, suffered a broken nose midway through a bitterly-contested 12-round encounter as the impressive Pole prevailed in front of his adopted home fans.
The fight, for the WBC International light heavyweight title, was seen by both men as a stepping stone to bigger things and it remains to be seen where the defeat leaves former WBO champion Cleverly.
Fonfara was given the the verdict by 115-113 from one judge and by 116-112 from two.
Cleverly was smarting after being hit after the bell in the second round but he was on top at that stage.
Yet by the seventh round Cleverly had blood splashed across his face, his nose taking the biggest toll as Fonfara found his range.
Cleverly survived the round, and needed to take the initiative at that stage, but the damage done to his face changed the complexion of the fight, with Fonfara exercising control until the final bell.
The Welshman had gamely battled on and Fonfara afterwards described him as "a warrior" as the Polish fighter, backed by a large following, celebrated his win.
For Cleverly it was a third career loss, all of which have come in his last six fights. Cleverly was taken to hospital after the fight to deal with the damage inflicted by Fonfara.
His promoter Eddie Hearn wrote on Twitter: "On the way to hospital with @NathanClev - broken nose and needs blood drained from his ear but is ok"
