NATHAN Cleverly won’t be the only one enjoying a homecoming at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on February 25.

The world champion from Cefn Fforest fights in Wales for the first time in nearly five years when he defends his WBO light-heavyweight title against American Tommy Karpency.

And on the undercard Blackwood’s Craig Evans will have his first professional fight in his home country.

After an explosive debut at West Ham’s Upton Park stadium in May 2010, when opponent Dan Carr lasted just 39 seconds of the first round, the 22-year-old has won two fights in Glasgow and two more in Liverpool.

The undefeated lightweight is a hot prospect in the Frank Warren stable of boxers and he’s looking forward to fighting in front of his home fans for once.

“I’m really excited about it,” he said. “I’ve sold more than 150 tickets so there will be a lot of people there cheering me on and it’s going to be a brilliant night. It’s the biggest show I’ve been on and to be on the same bill as Nathan Cleverly is great.

“Hopefully if I keep doing what I’m doing I can keep progressing up the ladder. I want my name at the top in a few years time.” Evans’ trainer Lee Beard is convinced that the youngster has the potential to achieve great things in the ring.

“Craig can go all the way to the top, I’m 100 per cent convinced,” said Beard, who has previously worked with Ricky and Matthew Hatton.

“He’s got a good promoter in Frank Warren. He’s got a great mindset, great discipline, he listens and he doesn’t cut corners. I believe Craig can be a world champion.”

No opponent has been confirmed for Evans to face on February 25 but this will be his last six-round contest before moving up to eight rounds.

“He’s done brilliantly in his two years as a pro,” added Beard.

“This is going to be a big year for Craig.

“He’ll be a bit busier this year as we build up his experience.

“He’s been doing a lot of sparring against experienced guys and giving as good as he gets.

“He starting to put into practice in the ring what he’s learned in training and he knows now that you learn more from doing the rounds than bulldozing through opponents.”