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Nathan Cleverly promises it will be third time lucky for his WBO light-heavyweight title defence against Robin Krasniqi on 20 April.

Welshman Cleverly was first due to meet the Germany-based Kosovan in April 2012, but had to pull out with a virus.

And the bout was postponed from 16 March when other fights on the same bill fell through, but Cleverly, 26, says nothing is stopping it now.

"You've got two guys who want to make this fight and get it on," he said.

"I can assure you this fight is ready to go now. I want the fight, Krasniqi is hungry for the fight. He wants my world title.

"You know you get a few fans who are a little bit pessimistic and maybe the fight's not going to go ahead because a few shows have fallen through.

"That's boxing and the business but I can assure you this fight is ready to go now."

Cleverly is keen to beat mandatory challenger Krasniqi, 26, so he can move on to a unification fight that has dominated his thoughts of late.

But the Welshman knows a slip-up could put an end to his chances of facing IBF champion Bernard Hopkins.

Hopkins, at 48, is the oldest world champion of all-time and has indicated his interest in a bout in London.

"It is important that I am successful because I've got big plans for the future," Cleverly said

"Bernard Hopkins is the pinnacle name in the light-heavyweight division. That's the fight I crave and I've got to win this fight to keep that fight alive, so it is very important.

"Krasniqi is a good fighter and he's coming into the fight with lots of confidence. He's on a 38-fight winning streak and he's knocked out his last four opponents.

"He will come in full of hunger and he will do his best to rip the title away from me, so I'm fully prepared."