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Cleverly's Cardiff title defence

Cleverly promoter: Kovalev is first choice for opponent

Cleverly's promoter Frank Warren says he has been in negotiations with HBO, who want to screen the fight, for over a month, but the Welsh fighter may now have to find another opponent to take on in what will be his second fight at the Cardiff venue.

We were hoping today to announce Nathan's next opponent for a fight that is due to take place on August 17.

We were hoping it would be against Sergey Kovalev. We agreed terms with HBO, who approached us with this fight in May.

Originally we intended to put the fight on in July. We were asked to put that back, which we did because Kovalev had to fight an eliminator last Friday and then moved the date to August 10. We booked the venue, then they asked us to push it back to August 17.

Over the last few days we have had conversations about applying for visas for Kovalev. I was on the phone until 5:30am to HBO.

They are calling in the Main Events people today to say you are fighting or not? So today we will know if Nathan will be fighting Kovalev.

That's the fight we want but if he doesn't want it we will find someone else

– Frank Warren, Nathan Cleverly's promoter

Kovalev, 30, is one of the hottest fighters in the 168lb division, knocking out his last five opponents.

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Cleverly's Cardiff title defence

Cleverly set for Cardiff title defence in August

Boxer Nathan Cleverly during a press conference at The Landmark Hotel, London. Credit: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

Nathan Cleverly will make his sixth world title defence at Cardiff's Motorpoint Arena on August 17, but the identity of his opponent remains up in the air.

Cleverly, the WBO light heavyweight champion, had agreed in principle to fight Sergey Kovalev, but the IBF today ordered title holder Bernard Hopkins to fight the Russian after he became mandatory challenger following his knockout win over Cornelius White last Friday.

Kovalev must now decide whether he wants to take on Cleverly in Wales, or Hopkins in the United States next.

Lions lose 14-12 to Brumbies

Shane set for Lions outing against ACT Brumbies

Wales' record try scorer Shane Williams will line up against ACT Brumbies today in his one off game for the British and Irish Lions. The 36 year-old retired from international rugby in 2011 and currently plays for Mitsubishi Dynaboars in Japan.

Williams - who scored 58 tries in 87 Tests for Wales - will play alongside fellow Welshmen Ian Evans, Justin Tipuric and Toby Faletau.

Richard Hibbard and Dan Lydiate are on the bench for the Lions' last warm-up game before the first Test against Australia on Saturday.

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Lions lose 14-12 to Brumbies

Lions pay respects to fallen heroes

British & Irish Lions delegation today visited the Australian War Memorial.

A British & Irish Lions delegation today visited the Australian War Memorial to pay their respects and recognise fallen heroes from Britain and Australia.

A tribute was paid to Blair Swannell and Tom Richards who represented both the Lions and Australia during their rugby careers.

Lions lose 14-12 to Brumbies

Support from home for Lions call-up Shane Williams

by Kevin Ashford

There has been a shock call-up for Shane Williams to the British and Irish Lions squad.

Wales' record try-scorer retired from international rugby in 2011 and is currently playing in Japan.

He has been drafted in as temporary cover after a series of injuries for the Lions in Australia.

Glamorgan sign Kiwi Nathan McCullum for T20

Nathan McCullum has enjoyed playing in Cardiff in the ICC Champions Trophy. Credit: PA

Glamorgan have announced that New Zealand all-rounder Nathan McCullum will play for them in the county Twenty20 competition this summer.

The 32-year-old is an experienced international, and is playing at the Swalec Stadium today against England in the ICC Champions Trophy.

His younger brother Brendon had a spell with Glamorgan in 2006, scoring the club's fastest-ever 50 in T20 cricket from just 18 balls.

"I'm looking forward to joining up with the Glamorgan squad", Nathan said. "I've spent a bit of time in Cardiff over the past few weeks and have enjoyed playing at the SWALEC Stadium."

Matthew Mott, Glamorgan's Head of Elite Performance, said: "We are delighted to have secured Nathan's services. He is an experienced T20 cricketer and we believe he will be a valuable addition to our squad."

Glamorgan begin the Friends Life t20 away against Worcestershire on 28 June.

Lions lose 14-12 to Brumbies

Call-ups come after North and Roberts injury concerns

Shane Williams will line up alongside other recent call-ups Christian Wade, Brad Barritt, Billy Twelvetrees, Ryan Grant and Rory Best on Tuesday against the Brumbies.

The Lions are protecting Wales winger George North, who reported a tight hamstring against a Combined Country XV last Tuesday.

Another man who was likely to start against Australia on Saturday, Jamie Roberts, suffered a leg injury in the win over New South Wales Waratahs yesterday.

Lions team to play ACT Brumbies: R Kearney; C Wade, B Barritt, B Twelvetrees, S Williams; S Hogg, B Youngs; R Grant, R Best (capt), M Stevens, I Evans, R Gray, S O'Brien, J Tipuric, T Faletau.

Replacements: R Hibbard, A Corbisiero, D Cole, G Parling, D Lydiate, C Murray, O Farrell, S Zebo.

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