Ipswich’s Wardley has had a remarkable rise from the unlicensed white-collar scene to world champion.

He won the ‘interim’ WBO title by beating Joseph Parker in October and was later elevated to full world champion when Oleksandr Usyk – who still holds the WBA, WBC and IBF titles – vacated his belt rather than defend against Wardley.

Clarke says while he has regrets about his performances against Wardley, which left him needing surgery on his jaw after the defeat in Saudi Arabia, there is “no anger towards Fabio, only congratulations”.

The Burton-upon-Trent fighter added: “Where he’s come from to where he’s gone is a hell of a story. He’s inspiring for me and I’ll tell a lot of other people about Fabio’s story. So the respect is there.”

Wardley is currently looking for an opponent for his first defence, but Clarke is realistic about a potential trilogy fight.

“Honestly, he will be looking for a bigger name, a bigger money fight. But I’d never say never,” Clarke said.

“Couple of fights, put myself in a good position – never say never. But I think to go from the possibility of fighting Oleksandr Usyk to then boxing Frazer Clarke – financially probably wouldn’t be in his mind.

“But this sport is crazy and the way things change and the way things happen.”