WBO light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly has insisted that he is prepared to deal with the fast-starting Sergey Kovalev in their bout on Saturday night.

Kovalev has stopped 18 of his 21 opponents inside the first three rounds, but Cleverly believes that he will be able to deal with the heavy-handed Russian.

The 26-year-old told reporters: "We all know Sergey's record, it speaks for itself. It is no secret, he starts fast and comes to knock you out, but I have got a great chin and I am prepared for that.

"Obviously, he has wiped out his previous opponents, but I feel I am at a different level now. I will be there after three rounds, and I will be there for the full fight.

"It is going to be very hard for him to beat me on the night because of my stamina, my chin and my speed. It is going to be very difficult for him."

Victory for Cleverly could pave the way for a unification bout with American Bernard Hopkins.