GWENT boxing star Nathan Cleverly could soon be following in the footsteps of Joe Calzaghe yet again after being nominated for this year’s prestigious Boxing Writers’ Club Young Boxer of the Year award.

The Cefn Fforest fighter, whose career so far has almost mirrored that of his illustrious former stablemate, is on the list of nominees with fellow Frank Warren-promoted fighter James DeGale.

Previous winners of the award have included Calzaghe (in 1995), Ken Buchanan, Naseem Hamed, Nigel Benn and Ricky Hatton.

Both Cleverly and DeGale will be in action on September 18 at the LG Arena, Birmingham, on Warren’s Magnificent Seven card, live on Sky Box Office.

Last year Warren produced yet another winner when Kell Brook lifted the prize, beating Cleverly by a single vote.

The Welshman is favourite this year after adding the European light-heavyweight title to his British and Commonwealth crowns and working himself into a position where he is now just one fight away from a world title.

“Kell was a deserving winner in 2009,” said Cleverly. “Coming second behind such a good boxer was no disgrace, but I would have loved to have won the award.

“I hope I get enough votes in 2010, because to win would mean a lot to me.

“I’m sure a KO performance against Karo Murat in my next fight will help me no end, so that is what I will be aiming for.”

DeGale, unbeaten in seven fights as a professional, already has a title and will face Carl Dilks in an eliminator for the British super-middleweight crown in his next fight.

“Getting nominated is great recognition in itself, so I'm delighted,” said DeGale.

“The competition is tough this year, so all I can do is keep on winning and let my fists do the talking.”

Meanwhile, Enzo Maccarinelli and Derek Chisora are ensuring they are in the best possible shape ahead of the Magnificent Seven – by sparring with each other.

Swansea’s Maccarinelli defends his European cruiserweight title against Alexander Frenkel and Chisora will attempt to add the Commonwealth heavyweight title to his British crown against Sam Sexton.

Tickets for the Magnificent Seven cost £40, £50, £80, £150 and £200 and are available from: LG Arena, 0844 338 8000; Ticketmaster, 0844 844 0444, www.ticketmaster.co.uk; See Tickets, 0871 220 0260, www.seetickets.com