PROSPECT Frank Buglioni has finished up sparring with Nathan Cleverly – and there is no doubt in his mind that the Cefn Fforest fighter is Britain’s top boxer.

The 26-year-old WBO light-heavyweight world champion was criticised by fellow world champion Carl Froch but Buglioni, who has sparred both men, insists that it is Cleverly who has the edge.

“I did a good, hard, eight rounds with Nathan and it was probably the most beneficial eight rounds of sparring I have done so far in my career,” said Buglioni.

“It was great to go in with a world champion of Nathan’s stature, seeing his sharpness, ring craft and his presence in the ring, it was a valuable learning experience.

“I've sparred with Carl Froch before when I was in the GB amateur squad but Nathan was definitely quicker and sharper.

“We went at a fast pace and the odd heavy shot went, but it was great for my confidence and improving my all-round skills."

“In my view he’s the best world champion in this country at the moment and that was probably because of the years he spent sparring with a great like Joe Calzaghe and a lot of that has rubbed off on him.”

Cleverly is next in action on August 17 in Cardiff when he takes on big-hitting Sergey Kovalev.