If Wardley can win world title, why can’t I? – Clarke

British heavyweight champion Frazer Clarke claims he is inspired by former opponent Fabio Wardley and believes he still has what it takes to win a world title.

On Saturday, the 2020 Olympian will face Jeamie TKV for the British title on BBC Two.

Before being eliminated in the first round of their rematch, Wardley, 34, and Clarke, 34, drew in March 2024 against one another in a match that is now the WBO world champion.

“Why can’t I if Fabio can do it if he has two arms and two legs like me, works hard like me, and is a fighter like me”? Clarke spoke to BBC Sport.

Wardley has made a remarkable transition from the under-resourced white-collar scene to world champion.

When Oleksandr Usyk, who still holds the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles, decided to leave his belt rather than face Wardley, he won the “interim” WBO title by defeating Joseph Parker in October.

There is “no anger toward Fabio, only congratulations,” Clarke claims despite regrets over his performances against Wardley, which required jaw surgery after the Saudi Arabian defeat.

The fighter from Burton-upon-Trent continued, “A hell of a story is where he came from to where he’s gone.” I will tell many people about Fabio’s story because he inspires me and inspires me. Therefore, there is respect.

Clarke is optimistic about a potential trilogy fight despite Wardley’s current search for an opponent for his first defense.

He will be searching for a bigger name and more money, to be honest. But “I’d never, I suppose,” Clarke continued.

Put yourself in a good position, never say never, a couple of fights. However, I believe that if he had the money to fight Oleksandr Usyk, he wouldn’t likely consider it.

On BBC iPlayer, you can watch until 18:00 before switching to BBC Two at 20:00.

The Clarke and TKV ringwalks are scheduled for 2:00 PM.

Rick Edwards will serve as the commentary panel’s presenter, Ronald McIntosh will serve as the lead commentator, and former world champion George Groves, a boxing legend, and unified super-bantamweight champion Ellie Scotney.

On BBC iPlayer starting at 18:00

From 20: 00 on BBC Two