Frazer Clarke sees Fabio Wardley trilogy at Wembley after he banks Saudi riches

Frazer Clarke expects a victory over Fabio Wardley this weekend to elevate him to a new level of stardom, determined to clean up for as long as he can in a boxing scene laden with riches in Saudi Arabia.

Clarke and Wardley fought out a brutal Fight of the Year contender in London in March with the latter retaining the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles after their battle was ruled a split decision draw.

Olympic bronze medallist Clarke was dropped in the fifth round that night but took control of the contest late on with Wardley a bloody mess by the time the final bell had rung.

The belts will be on the line again on Saturday night – with Clarke aiming to make history by winning the British title in the fewest number of fights.

But their rematch has grown into something far bigger than a domestic scrap. Taking place on one of the biggest cards of the year headlined by the undisputed showdown between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, the winner can look forward to some even more rewarding nights ahead.

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Saudi has become the new home of heavyweight boxing with every fighter eager to earn the life-changing paydays that come with being invited to join the show.

Victory for Clarke or Wardley will propel them towards the top of the heavyweight division – blown open again by Daniel Dubois’ stunning victory over Anthony Joshua at Wembley last month.

While Saudi’s relationship with boxing remains under heavy scrutiny, Clarke has no qualms in admitting that in a world where getting punched in the head is par for the course, he is happy to bank as much money as he can.

‘British title fights traditionally produce some of the most brutal, evenly-matched fights around and our one was no different,’ Clarke told Metro.co.uk.

‘This rematch is a massive fight but the stakes have doubled. The British title is one we all want. But you don’t have to be a genius to work out that if you perform here on these Saudi cards, you are in business, you are in the money.

‘I don’t do this for s***s and giggles. I do this to get paid and to look after my family. A couple of belts along the way is nice but I’m here to clean up. I am here to fill the bank up. That is what is on the line.’

Wardley vs Clarke has developed into a compelling British rivalry over the last 18 months. During its most tense moments, it has conjured memories of the blistering feud between Joshua and Dillian Whyte in 2015 – a night where Clarke worked as ringside security, jumping into the ring when the two giants kept swinging after the bell.

Whatever happens on Saturday, Clarke sees the bad blood with Wardley continuing towards a trilogy with a world title at stake – possibly back at Wembley after feeling the electricity ringside last month when Dubois stunned the world.

‘I think we could see a trilogy,’ Clarke said. ‘I don’t know what it is about Fabio, but we gel very well. I will win and settle the score. But as long as people want to see you fight someone, there is always an opportunity to do it again.

‘I’m hoping to put him to bed, but never say never. There is something about this rivalry, people are excited about it. So this may not be in the end. We could eventually fight each other again for a world title back home.

‘I was sat ringside at Wembley a few weeks ago and I just thought, “I should be co-main event here”. The atmosphere was something we have never seen before. If there was a ‘Big Fraze’ ring walk there as well it would have been electric. I would have felt like a monster.’

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