NATHAN Cleverly’s obsession with fighting the best names available has led him to a showdown with an undefeated powerhouse, the Argus understands.

Cefn Fforest fighter Cleverly, aged 26, the undefeated WBO light-heavyweight champion, is desperate for a unification showdown with either American legend Bernard Hopkins or Beibut Shumenov.

However, with neither fight currently on the cards and super-middleweight king Carl Froch dismissing Cleverly as a potential opponent, it is understood that the next in line is big-hitting Russian Serge Kovalev.

The undefeated 30-year-old has won 20 fights from 21, with 18 stoppages.

Kovalev, based in Florida, competes this weekend against Cornelius White.

Should Kovalev, as expected, come through unscathed, his clash with Cleverly will be formerly announced on Monday at a London press conference with battle set to commence in August.

The venue is unknown, though Cleverly is thought to be extremely keen on returning to Wales, having fought in the Principality only once in the past five years.

It’s almost certain to be in the UK though, which may come as something of a blow to Cleverly’s male fans.

Three of Kovalev’s previous bouts have been staged at the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles.

* Cleverly’s promoter Frank Warren yesterday revealed he’d made a big offer to Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn for Carl Froch to face Cleverly, in what Warren describes as “a multi-million pound offer.”

It is stated by Warren that Hearn turned down the proposal. Cleverly had stated he’d move down a weight to face Froch.