The British heavyweight was brutally stopped in the first round of last weekend’s rematch but does not think the comprehensive defeat will spell the end of his career in the ring.

Clarke told talkSPORT: "Don’t get me wrong I was devastated at the time and my pride is still dented now but the fighter in me knows that I will be back.

"It’s going to be a difficult road ahead but I will work hard like I always have and aim for those heights again.

"I’m 33 but I’m in the prime of my life, I felt in my prime on that night but it was just a great shot from Fabio and a leaky defence and switch off from myself.

"But I’m fittest now and the most athletic I’ve been in my whole life so I’m not even looking for it to be over.

"If anything it is just a blip in the road."

Clarke needed surgery on a fractured cheekbone after his loss and is grateful for the care he received in Saudi Arabia.

The fighter said: "They told me that surgery went exactly as they wanted it to and that it will heal stronger than before.

"A massive thank you to everyone in Saudi Arabia who looked after me because they were unbelievable.

"My partner, she was unbelievable. I’m grateful because at the time it looked very bad for me but I’m grateful."

Clarke thinks that he has been taught the "harsh" lesson that one punch can be catastrophic in heavyweight fights.

He said: "It was a harsh reminder, especially in heavyweight boxing, that if you switch off for a second that is what can happen and I’ve had to learn it the hard way.

"I hold my hands up, my team did a fantastic job. It was me making the mistake and it cost me."