By Jake Donovan

From the moment the scores were announced in his brave but failed bid to unseat World light heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson, perennial contender Andrzej Fonfara knew there was no turning back. While coming up short, the Chicago-based Polish-proud contender felt it was his official arrival as a light heavyweight player.

Two wins have since followed his lone career title shot, including a one-sided beatdown of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. earlier this year. Fonfara looks to keep the good fortunes going against yet another former champ, as he faces Nathan Cleverly in the headlining act of the October 16th Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) on Spike TV telecast, live from UIC Pavilion in Chicago.

The winner is certain to land a light heavyweight title shot in the near future, which made the choice of Cleverly as his next opponent a no-brainer for Fonfara.

“I'm the type of boxer, I'll fight the best guys in the world,” insists Fonfara (27-3, 16KOs). “I always say yes. Someone give me the contract and I will fight everyone. We aren't scared of anybody.”

Fonfara, who turns 28 in November, has emerged as a leading light heavyweight contender in recent times. The rail-thin boxer-puncher was underrated heading into his clash with Stevenson last May, but gained industry-wide respect by fight’s end. It is his hope that a win over Cleverly – a former light heavyweight titlist who gave cruiserweight a test drive before dropping back down to 175 – will lead to a sequel with Stevenson, as well as any other champ or top contender.

“We want to fight the best fighters in the world,” Fonfara demands. “First, I want my rematch with Stevenson, I think I can beat him. He beat me first and now I want to fight him again.”

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com.

Twitter: @JakeNDaBox

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