Heavyweight boxing star Frazer Clarke doesn't imagine shut pal Anthony Joshua will betray him forward of his all-British showdown with Fabio Wardley. AJ and Wardley practice in the identical gymnasium, elevating the potential of the previous world champion giving out pointers that would work in opposition to Clarke on battle night time.

Olympic medalist Clarke and 6ft 5in Wardley are set to place their unbeaten skilled data on the road on the O2 Arena on March 31. The winner may also take house the British heavyweight title belt, which is presently held by Wardley.

Clarke finds himself in an uncommon scenario whereby his pal Joshua is sharing a gymnasium along with his upcoming opponent. The 32-year-old's friendship with AJ is so shut that he risked backlash in 2022 by apologising on his behalf for a perplexing rant after shedding to Oleksandr Usyk.

"I'd like to apologise on AJ's behalf," Clarke advised Sky Sports after the battle. "He might not like me for this and his team might not either but they left him out to dry there.

"That was so out of character however the individuals round him, the place have been they? He's had a nasty one there... if I used to be there, I might've took a dig simply to take the mic off of him simply to present him a minute to compose himself."

Clarke called time on his distinguished amateur career and turned professional in 2022. He has progressed quickly since, having arrived in the pro ranks beyond the age of 30, with wins over Bogdan Dinu, Mariusz Wach and Dave Allen the highlights of his CV.

"If [AJ] begins telling [Wardley] that I do that and I do this, then it is the mark of the person actually. I do not imagine AJ is that method inclined."

On the fight itself, Clarke added: "I knew I might be right here. I'm a great fighter, I do know what I'm doing, I've been across the sport a very long time. I knew this was coming. I labored for it and I'm mature sufficient. That's the principle factor. You must be mature sufficient to be in these positions and I believe I'm there."