Fraser Clarke has vowed to bounce back from his crushing first round loss to Fabio Wardley.
Clarke would like to fight Kubrat Pulev, a former Anthony Joshua victim and Derek Chisora, who recently won the WBA regular or secondary title by defeating Mahmoud Char.
“I’d take it. I watched both of them. It wasn’t great viewing,” Clarke said Sky Sports.
“But he’s been around for a long time. He’s a wily old character, but I think there’s going to be a lot of people licking their lips :
“I think it’s opened a lot of doors for a lot of other fighters.”
“If that opportunity was given to me, I would take it with both hands. Pulev likes big fights, he would like to return. Sky Sports I imagine. If it could be done, I would relish the opportunity.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Fabio Wardley reflects on his incredible first round KO of Fraser Clarke and how he prepared for the fight.
American Jarrell Miller could be the next direct fight for Pulev.
“Kubrat is interested in a fight with Jarrell,” Pulev’s promoter John Wirth said. Sky Sports. “We have several options on the table that we are currently exploring and I can confirm that Jarrell is one of them.
“This is a fight (promoter) Dmitry Salita called me right after Kubrat won the title.
“Given everything that’s going on in the division, we believe this fight could be meaningful.”
Britain’s Clarke drew with Wardley in a thrilling British Championship clash earlier this year but suffered a horrific fracture to his jaw and cheekbone when Wardley knocked him out in the first round of their October rematch.
Clarke, however, believes he can still return to the heavyweight rankings.
“Even though we know about my last fight and the loss, I’d say it hasn’t taken any mileage since then. I’m still as determined as ever,” he said. Sky Sports.
“I’m still as hungry as ever. I’ve heard a few people say that people are never the same after a loss like that. But I’ll let people know that I’m not just people, me.” am as ever and I think the same.
“It made me happy. I just want to get back to it.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Fraser Clarke makes his way to the ring ahead of his highly anticipated heavyweight rematch against Fabio Wardley.
Clarke is inexperienced as a professional fighter but has had a long amateur career that ended with an Olympic bronze medal.This is not the first time he has had to recover from an injury.
“I’ve been all over the world. I’ve been in different countries with stitches in my eyes, cracked jaws, broken arms, broken hips, torn hamstrings,” Clark said.
“The difference is, with this one, you were projected to the world, a lot of people saw it. My family’s concern was really something to do.”
“Everyone I’ve seen has checked to see if I’m OK, wished me the best. It’s been a bit overwhelming at times if I’m honest, but I really appreciate it.
“I do this sport because I love it and I want to do well in it. I have goals that I want in my head,” he reflects. “You realize that your health is the most important thing, especially when you see your loved ones crying and unhappy.
“Do I want to be shot with them again? Absolutely not. I’m a little more turned on in that sense.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
A look at the Sky Sports Boxing studio reaction as Fabio Wardley decisively stops Fraser Clarke in one round.
It’s a lesson he had to learn the hard way.
“I still can’t get my head around it. I’m not taking any credit from Fabio Wardley. I think he’s a great fighter as well,” Clarke said.
“When you get in that ring, if you’re not on it and on, it can happen.”
Clarke is adamant that 2025 will put him in a position to return.
“It’s obvious what happened, happened, maybe it’s time to remove the eyelashes,” he said. “I think it’s about being in shape and being ready to fight at any opportunity.
“I’ll be like that, starting next year I’ll be ready to fight anyone. Now I’m in a position where I have to take some opportunities. I’ll take them with both hands.”
