The British fighter was left with a broken cheekbone after being flattened by his rival in the opening round of their heavyweight bout earlier this month and admits that he was "naive" to the danger that comes with competing in the ring.

Clarke told Sky Sports News: "I'm a fighter. I was naive up until that moment, I never thought that could happen to me. Even though it's happened to so many champions over the years, you never think it's going to be you.

"I've been injured before, I've had broken cheekbones before and I've just got another one now. I'll get past this, I'll get through this no problem."

Clarke will need to undergo a recovery process before returning to boxing but he is determined to come back stronger after a "difficult" experience from a personal and professional perspective.

He said: "A difficult night for me, a difficult few weeks for me definitely as a fighter and as a human. But I'm recovering well and looking positive, I'm sort of out the dumps and looking to the future now.

"I'm not sure I'm going to come to terms with that any time soon. But I'm trying my best day by day.

"It's hard to take, it really is. On a personal note my pride's hurt but physically I'm fine and mentally I'm up for the challenge once again. I've got a few more people to prove wrong now."

Clarke also praised his rival for landing such a devastating punch at the start of the contest.

The Olympic bronze medallist said: "First and foremost I give congratulations to Fabio Wardley. A great performance from him. In terms of processing it, it's very difficult. I'm not one for making excuses and I never will. I put it down to a great performance by Fabio and maybe a little bit of a slow start from me.

"Heavyweight boxing, I got hit with a shot and then after that it was really difficult to recover. I was in the best physical and mental shape of my life. I felt so ready for it and in a second it was over."