The fighters competed in a thrilling draw last weekend and Clarke felt that his rival's corner was on the brink of pulling him out during the bout.

Clarke told Sky Sports News: "There were a few times I feel like the fight had definitely gone out of him and I think even the corner, they were considering pulling him out personally.

"He's a warrior, I'll give him that. Fabio Wardley's a warrior, he wanted to stay on and fight. If he's going to go, he's going to go out on his back.

"A couple of times, a few more shots, if I didn't fall in, which I did towards the end. I think he would have been out of there."

Clarke has demanded a rematch against the British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion and is confident that he will come out on top if the pair get in the ring again.

He said: "I could take him out. I know that now. There's no secret about it, Fabio hits hard, he does, but I definitely wouldn't say he's the biggest puncher I've been in there with, he's definitely right up there.

"Next time I think I'd go for it early on, I really would."

Clarke is disappointed that he was unable to win the fight but thinks that he will be better in the future as a result of the test against Wardley.

The Olympic medallist said: "I'm glad everyone enjoyed the night but for me, it's about winning the fight. Just taking part but not winning the fight is not good enough for me personally.

"Really devastated with the decision but I'm in good spirits, I feel like I proved a lot to myself, I proved a lot to other people and I know moving forward from this I'll be a lot better fighter."