WORLD champion boxer Nathan Cleverly has pledged to dedicate his huge Las Vegas title defence this weekend to a man who died in Gwent last week.

The Cefn Forest fighter issued the gesture on social media following the death of a 24-year-old forestry worker.

In a post on his Facebook page last Friday, the boxing star wrote: “I arrived in Las Vegas yesterday and I’m very sorry to hear about another local Bargoed lad taken way too soon.

“The thoughts of myself and everyone in Team Clev are with the family, friends and loved ones of Ben Thomas. Stay strong!

“It’s eight days until I take on Badou Jack in the first defence of my WBA world title. It’s a crucial fight in my career and it will be dedicated to Ben! Rest In Peace, mate.”

The post from Cleverly, who will be fighting in his eighth world title fight on the undercard of this Saturday’s Conor McGregor versus Floyd Mayweather blockbuster bout, follows the discovery of a body in Pont Lawrence Rees Lane, Cwmfelinfach, on Tuesday, August 15.

Gwent Police have confirmed a joint investigation has been launched into the death.

A spokeswoman for the force said: “At approximately 3.25pm on Tuesday, August 15, we were called to the Forestry Centre, in Pont Lawrence Rees Lane, Cwmfelinfach. A 24-year-old man, working at that location, was found deceased at the scene.

“A joint investigation has been launched by Gwent Police and the Health and Safety Executive.”

A spokesman for the Welsh Ambulance confirmed they had been called to an incident “in the woods near Cwmfelinfach”.