Wardley said beating Olympic bronze medallist Clarke would be a “huge win” as far as his future prospects are concerned.

“This is probably my last fight at British level to tick off and then within a fight or two I think I’ll be in the world title standings,” he added.

“It’s about putting yourself in the right place for eliminators or world title shots, however they come about.”

As part of his plan to achieve that goal, Wardley signed a multi-fight deal with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions last month.

Wardley said: “You need the right promotion and the right promoter behind you to put you in those positions.

“He’s been in the game for so so long, that level of experience is invaluable. He’s been around the block 10 times over. He knows how to get things done.”