Former six-weight world champion Oscar de la Hoya has suggested that legendary American fighter Bernanrd Hopkins could travel to England in order to challenge WBO light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly.

The President of Golden Boy Promotions met Cleverly for the first time yesterday at an outdoor press conference at the Staples Center and was impressed with the light-heavyweight who is fighting in American for just the second time.

Bernanrd Hopkins
Hopkins could face Cleverly for the WBO title [Reuters]

The Welsh fighter impressed the US media when he discussed Saturday's fourth title defence against Shawn Hawk at the world famous Los Angeles venue and it seems he caught the eye of De La Hoya.

"What is very possible is Bernard Hopkins going to Britain to box Nathan," said the Mexican promoter. "We feel that the UK fans are some of the most passionate and knowledgeable in the world when it comes to boxing.

"A lot of fighters in the United States are now realising they should go overseas and challenge the best."

Cleverly has struggled to face the biggest names in the division and has been unable to land a unification bout against any of the other world champions. Chad Dawson currently holds the WBC crown, while Beibut Shumenov is the WBA title holder and Tavoris Cloud is the IBF champion.

Despite being unbeaten and a world champion, Cleverly has never managed to gain global appeal. However, De La Hoya believes that the British fighters can he a future star.

"Nathan can go far. He is a fan friendly fighter," said the 39-year-old. "He has a great promoter in Frank Warren. Along with Frank we can come up with the big American fights and bring in the people.

"But, ultimately it is up to what Nathan does in the ring. It is in his hands whether he wants to make a big splash or not.

"As long as you can match him up with the right fighters there is no limit to how far he can go

"Nathan is that he a strong puncher, but he has good speed. That makes for a dangerous boxer-puncher - that is what I was.

"He looks motivated, ready to go but he has very tough fight against Hawk. It will be compelling viewing."

Los Angeles