Suffolk boxing star Fabio Wardley has warned fierce rival Frazer Clarke he's made a big mistake in agreeing to face him with two titles on the line at the O2 Arena in March.
Unbeaten knockout puncher Wardley (17-0, 16KO) will defend his British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles against Olympic bronze medallist Clarke (8-0, 6KO) on Easter Sunday, March 31.
The fight, dubbed 'Bad Blood' will be Wardley's first time headlining a card, and he's intending to make a statement at London's iconic arena.
This clash has been months in the making, with Clarke apparently backing out of a meeting between the pair last year, after Wardley had been ordered to defend his British belt against him.
"It’s too quick for him," said Wardley, 29. "There was a reason why his team wouldn’t let him fight me that long ago.
“They felt it was too soon for him, and it’s still too soon for him now. He hasn’t had the right tests, the right fights along the way to build to something like this.
“I’ll give him the credit for his amateur pedigree, of course that’s there, an Olympic medal and respect to you for that, it’s a big achievement.
“But this is the pro game, it’s not the same thing. And I’ve been born and bred in this pro game, that’s where I learned all the tools of my trade, and that’s why I finish all my opponents.”
Former Ipswich Town academy player Wardley - who wears the colors and badge of his beloved Blues to the ring - added: "The prediction is the same as always. Look, I’m a fan favourite and I’m here to entertain.
“It will be a spicy fight, but I’m going home with my belts and Frazer’s going to be sparked out on the floor.”
While Clarke's professional slate to date doesn't stand up to Wardley's trail of destruction, the 32-year-old boasts far more amateur experience than the Chantry puncher, who turned pro after just four white collar fights.
And he said: "Talk is cheap. He’s backed it up so far, but I know I’m the best fighter he’s going to step into the ring with.
“I know what I’m capable of, and I give him credit as well – but I don’t need to talk about his background, or my amateur background, because it’s here and now, the best man will win.
“And the best man is me.”
Of his apparent avoidance of the fight last year - which was being talked about as a potential Portman Road event - Clarke insisted: “I didn’t duck anyone. My team, that was their decision. I would have taken the fight then, and I’ve got it now.
“The talk is done, I’m not in the pantomime business, I’m here to fight and he’s here to fight.
“I respect him, but I’m going to take these titles.”
Ben Shalom, whose company BOXXER will promote the event, said: "We’re more committed than ever to making the biggest domestic fights for British fight fans and I’m excited for BOXXER to deliver a British heavyweight classic on March 31st at The O2.
"After the outrage last year, this fight has been one that has been really important to make, with fight fans desperate to see it.
"I’m really happy to deliver the opportunity to Frazer Clarke against Fabio Wardley, who is a dangerous man and a great champion.”
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