Fabio Wardley says he is ready to face the biggest names in the heavyweight division after a brutal knockout victory over Frazer Clarke at Riyadh Season's IV Crown Showdown.
The Briton met with his rival for the second time this year on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol. after they fought to a draw in March at London's The O2 Arena.
But there would be no repeat of their sensational bout this time around as Wardley floored his opponent clean in the first round with a devastating right hook to seal victory.
The Ipswich fighter retained his British, Commonwealth, and WBA Continental heavyweight titles as a result, and now believes he is ready to challenge for global honours.
"I'm ready to mix it with those boys," he said afterwards. "I've got the power to mix it with them all.
"I can take a shot. I can have a war. You've seen me do everything. I'm ready for that world stage now."
Clarke, who congratulated his opponent before departing the ring ahead of the result announcement, needed a hospital trip after the fight following Wardley's punishment.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
The performance from the latter was the second staggering performance by a British heavyweight in as many months, following Daniel Dubois in his win over Anthony Joshua.
"I said I always know once I hurt somebody I can get rid of them," Wardley added. "I made errors in the first fight.
"Sometimes war is needed, sometimes a little bit of brain is needed, I took enough [...] from the first fight to know I just had to be a little bit sweeter
"War by name, war by nature. Once I have enemies hurt, there's no help for them. Nothing will save them."
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