Frazer Clarke expects victory over Fabio Wardley this weekend to catapult him to a new level of stardom, determined to clean up the riches-laden boxing scene in Saudi Arabia for as long as possible.
Clarke and Wardley fought a brutal fight in London in March for the fight of the year title, with the latter retaining the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles after their battle ended in a split draw.
Olympic bronze medalist Clarke was eliminated in the fifth round that night but took control of the competition late and Wardley made a bloody mess before the final bell rang.
The belts will be on the line again on Saturday night, with Clarke looking to make history by winning the British title in as few fights as possible.
But their revenge became something much bigger than a domestic scrap. The winner, who will take place at one of the most important galas of the year and whose main character will be the undisputed clash between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol, can expect even more satisfying evenings.
Saudi Arabia has become the new home of heavyweight boxing with every fighter eager to earn the life-changing paydays that come with being invited to the show.
A win for either Clarke or Wardley will push them to the top of the heavyweight division – reopening the door to a fight Daniel Dubois' stunning win over Anthony Joshua at Wembley last month.
Although Saudi Arabia's relationship with boxing remains under tight scrutiny, Clarke has no qualms in admitting that in a world where getting hit in the head is commonplace, he is eager to raise as much money as possible.
“Title fights in the UK traditionally produce some of the most brutal and competitive fights in the world and ours was no exception,” said Clarke Metro.co.uk.
“This rematch is a big fight, but the stakes have doubled. The British title is what we all want. But it doesn't take a genius to figure out that showing up here on these Saudi cards means you're in business and making money.
I don't do it for shits and giggles. I do this to earn money and take care of my family. A few stripes along the way are nice, but I'm here to clean up. I'm here to fill the bank. That's what's at stake.
Over the last 18 months, Wardley vs Clarke has developed into a fascinating British rivalry. In its tensest moments, it evoked memories of the fierce feud between Joshua and Dillian Whyte in 2015 – a night during which Clarke worked ringside security, jumping into the ring as the two giants were still swinging after the bell.
Whatever happens on Saturday, Clarke sees the bad blood between Wardley continuing towards a trilogy with the world title at stake – likely back to Wembley after feeling the electricity in the ring 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 get along very well. I will win and settle the score. But as long as people want to see you fight someone, there's always a chance to do it again.
I hope to put him to bed, but never say never. There's something about this competition, people are excited about it. So this may not be the end. We could finally fight each other for the world title at home again.
“I was sitting ringside at Wembley a few weeks ago and I thought, 'I should be the co-main event here.' The atmosphere was something we had never seen before. If the Big Fraze tour was there too, it would be electric. I would feel like a monster.
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