NATHAN Cleverly is ready for what he knows is a final attempt at becoming a world champion after agreeing to a comeback fight at light heavyweight.

Matchroom Promotions have confirmed Cleverly for their bill at the First Direct Arena on April 11 after he shelved suggestions he should retire following his loss to hated rival Tony Bellew.

The points defeat in Liverpool ended Cleverly’s brief foray into the cruiserweight division, with the Cefn Fforest man forced to admit he wasn’t naturally big enough to make the biggest weight jump in all of boxing.

He now returns to a division that saw him capture the WBO world title, before losing to the destructive Sergey Kovalev in 2013.

Now signed with promoter Hearn, Cleverly’s been plotted a three-fight route to a world title chance, the former Team Calzaghe man slated for outings in April and the summer before a potential showdown with WBA champion Jurgen Braehmer in Germany.

It is understood that Cleverly realises he is at a career crossroads following some major soul searching since his loss to Bellew in November and he is said to be considering a change of trainer and set-up ahead of his next fight.

He has rejected the opportunity to switch promoters and chase a potential grudge fight with fellow Welshman and former world champion Enzo Maccarinelli and is instead determined to test himself against Braehmer.

The German is the former WBO champion and was scheduled to face Cleverly three times in 2011 before relinquishing the title due to trouble which saw him sent to prison in 2010 and subsequently suffer injuries following his release.

Promoter Hearn tweeted earlier today: "Nathan Cleverly will return April 11th at @fdarena in the light-heavyweight division - victory should secure World title shot in autumn.”

Hearn has already made clear that he expects to see Cleverly back in the world title scene.

“I’ve spoken to Nathan numerous times since the fight, more than I’ve spoken to Bellew,” said the Matchroom Boxing chief, who was in Las Vegas with Cleverly last month for the Amir Khan fight with Cleverly also training at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card gym.

“I said before the fight that the winner will go on to fight for a world title and probably the loser would too.

“I was in Vegas with Nathan and it looks like I’ve landed him a world title fight as well.

“I will bring him back at light-heavyweight and he will fight for a world title before the end of the year, probably in September. It’s virtually already done.”

Tickets are on sale from 10am today (January 7) to Matchroom Fight Pass members from www.matchroomboxing.com priced at £30, £40, £60 and £120 for VIP tickets.

Tickets go on general sale at 10am tomorrow (January 8) from the First Direct Arena on 0844 248 1585 and at www.firstdirectarena.com. VIP tickets priced at £120 are available exclusively from Matchroom Boxing on 01277 359900 and at www.matchroomboxing.com.