NATHAN CLEVERLY had his dreams and nose shattered in Las Vegas on Saturday.
The Welshman was given a hiding by Badou Jack, dropping his WBA light-heavyweight title in a meek showing over five one-sided rounds.
The 30-year-old looked ready for retirement during his 15 minutes of fame on the Conor McGregor versus Floyd Mayweather undercard.
And he revealed he battled through the last two rounds with a broken hooter.
Cleverly said: “Jack was very strong. He caught me and broke my nose in the third round.
“It was a downward spiral from there.
“I was wounded and protecting myself. It’s horrible but part of the sport.
“I thought the stoppage was premature. He had just swung and missed but it’s up to the referee in the end. I have to respect that decision.
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“I’ll re-evaluate. I have a lot of miles left in me. I’m a two-time world champion. I have to take it from here and decide where I go.
“It’s a special event here. To be a part of it is massive. It’s a worldwide event and it’s a great feeling to be a part of history.
“The result was poor for me but it’s a fight and anything can happen.”
Jack wasted no time sympathising for Cleverly, instead targeting Canadian heavy hitter Adonis Stevenson.
The Swedish hard man is willing to leave his Las Vegas base and trek to Canada, home of the Mounties, if it means he can get his man.
He said: “I wanted to box him and feel him out while establishing my jab. Then the plan was to break him down from there. The plan was to finish him.
“I got a little excited at times but I barely got hit. My boxing IQ was the difference in this fight.
“Everybody doubting me motivated me. My trainer and my team did a great job getting me to this point.
“It’s a dream come true. My trainer here has the WBA, and now I got it.
“You can’t leave it in the hands of the judges. You’ve got to go for the kill.”
“I think Adonis Stevenson [is next] – let’s get it on. let’s get it on. Let’s fight somebody real. I’d go anywhere.”
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