PBC on Spike Sets Chicago as Home for Fonfara vs. Cleverly

Polish-born Chicago resident Andrzej Fonfara had one chance at becoming a world champion his career, but he fell short against Adonis Stevenson last May. The Pole dropped a unanimous 12-round decision and, with how fickle boxing can be at times, it was a mystery as to when he’d ever get another crack at his ultimate goal.

After trouncing Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in April where he made the popular Mexican fighter quit, things were once again looking up for Fonfara (27-3, 16 KOs). While he’s not fighting for a world title in his next bout, a win over his scheduled opponent would certainly do wonders for his career moving forward.

Premier Boxing Champions and Spike TV announced early on Wednesday that Fonfara will headline the next PBC on Spike card against Welshman Nathan Cleverly on Oct. 16. The bout will be held at the UIC Pavilion near downtown Chicago, with the telecast airing live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

"I'm excited to return to my hometown of Chicago on this big fight night against a world class fighter like Nathan Cleverly," Fonfara said in a statement. "This will be a tough fight for both of us. Cleverly is a solid fighter and it's no fluke that he was a world champion and that he defended his belt so many times. Our fighting styles guarantee that everyone can expect fireworks on October 16. I want this fight to be a quick stop on my way to a rematch with Adonis Stevenson."

Cleverly is a former world champion at light heavyweight and he is equally determined to fight for the title again. Cleverly (29-2, 15 KOs) captured the WBO version of the 175-pound championship by knocking out Aleksy Kuziemski in the fourth back in May of 2011. He defended the belt four consecutive times until he ran into Sergey Kovalev, who dispatched him within four rounds.

"This is a major platform for me to prove that I am more than capable of becoming world champion again," said Cleverly. "If I beat Fonfara it's a doorway fight to the world title and establishing myself as one of the best light heavyweights once again. Fonfara is a good fighter. He's tall, has power and has moved up through the levels in his career. I am looking forward to coming over to Chicago and I am very confident that our styles will blend well for a really exciting fight.