Frazer Clarke wants Kubrat Pulev title fight as he vows to bounce back from Fabio Wardley defeat

Frazer Clarke has vowed to come back from his crushing first-round loss to Fabio Wardley.

Clarke would relish a fight with Kubrat Pulev, the former Anthony Joshua and Derek Chisora victim who recently picked up a WBA regular, or secondary, title with a victory over Mahmoud Charr.

“I’d take it. I watched them both. It wasn’t great viewing,” Clarke told Sky Sports.

“But he’s come away with a championship. He’s been around a long time. He’s a wily old character but I think there’d be a lot of people licking their lips at that fight. A lot of people at fringe level, a lot of people below that would fancy their chances.

“I think it’s opened up a lot of doors for a lot of other fighters.”

He added: “If that opportunity was given to me, I’d take it with both hands. Pulev likes big fights, he’d love to be back on Sky Sports I imagine. If that could be made to happen, I’d relish the opportunity.”

America’s Jarrell Miller could be the next immediate fight for Pulev.

“Kubrat is interested in a fight with Jarrell,” Pulev’s promoter John Wirt has told 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] Dmitriy Salita called me about right after Kubrat won the title.

“Given everything happening in the division, we believe this fight can make sense.”

Britain’s Clarke drew with Wardley in a thrilling British championship clash earlier this year, only to suffer a terrible break to his jaw and cheekbone when Wardley knocked him out in the first round of their October rematch.

Clarke however is convinced he can still work his way back up the heavyweight rankings.

“Even though we know about my last fight and the defeat, I would say, in a good way, it took no miles off the clock. I’m still as determined as ever,” he told Sky Sports.

“I’m still as hungry as ever. I’ve heard a few people say people are never the same after that kind of defeat and that kind of knockout. But I’ll let people know I’m not just people, I’m still as naïve as ever in terms of I think exactly the same.

“It’s made me chomping at the bit. I just want to get back to it.”

Clarke is inexperienced as a professional fighter but had a long amateur career which culminated in winning an Olympic bronze medal. This won’t be the first time he’s had to recuperate from an injury.

“I’ve been all round the world. I’ve been in different countries with stitches over my eyes, cracks in jaws, broken hands, broken hips, torn hamstrings,” Clarke said.

“The difference is with this one you were projected to the world, a lot of people got to see it. The concern from my family was really something to deal with.

“Everyone I’ve seen has checked in to see if I’m okay, wished me the best. Everyone’s concern’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 at it. I’ve got goals I want in my head,” he reflected. “You do realise your health’s the most important thing especially when you see your loved ones are in tears and unhappy.

“Do I want to get hit with them sort of shots again? Absolutely not. I’m a little bit more switched on in that sense.”

That is a lesson he’s had to learn the hard way.

“I still can’t get my head round it. I’m not taking any credit away from Fabio Wardley. I think he’s a great fighter and he’s a great person as well actually,” Clarke said.

“When you get in that ring, if you’re not on it and you’re not switched on, this can happen.”

Clarke is adamant he will get himself in position to bounce back in 2025.

“Obviously what happened, happened. Maybe it is time to take the blinkers off,” he said. “I think it’s about being in condition and ready to fight at any opportunity.

“That’s what I’ll be, from next year I’ll be ready to fight anyone throughout the year. I’m in a position now where I’ve got to take certain opportunities. If they arise I’ll take them with both hands.”