Frazer Clarke has broken his silence in an exclusive interview with talkSPORT after suffering the first defeat of his professional career.

Clarke was on the receiving end of a heavy knockout on Saturday night as lost his rematch against Fabio Wardley for the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles.

Wardley left Clarke with a dent in the side of his headMark Robinson/Matchroom

The Burton boxer took a massive right hand in the opening stanza, which left him with a dent in the side of his head.

Fears were raised about Clarke’s health in the immediate aftermath, with talkSPORT’s Spencer Oliver insisting the Olympic bronze medallist was considering his future after the crushing defeat.

But when he caught up with talkSPORT on Thursday afternoon in his first interview since the horror injury, his mind was made up.

“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,” he told the White and Jordan show.

“It is going to be a difficult road 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 career so I’m not even looking for it to be over.

“If anything it is just a blip in the road.”

Clarke then revealed the exact injury he sustained.

“Two fractures to the cheekbone. The recovery is going to be between eight and 12 weeks,” he added.

Clarke will continue boxing after the brutal KO defeatMark Robinson/Matchroom

Saudi Arabia’s leading surgeon was woken up by boxing chief HE Turki Alalshikh to perform the surgery, which Clarke insists went well.

“They told me that surgery went exactly as they wanted it to and that it will heal stronger than before,” Clarke continued.

“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 didn’t make excuses for the loss and his class shone through as he recalled the fight.

“We were so prepared for that fight,” he continued, “It was the best shape I had been in both mentally and physically and I didn’t see anything but a win for myself.

“But 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…

“I vaguely remember saying congratulations to Fabio in the ring on the night, everything was a bit of a blur but I vaguely remember saying well done to him and I told anyone that would see him including Frank Warren to pass on my best wishes and congratulations.”

Wardley entered the Ring Magazine divisional rankings after his career-best win and is now on the cusp of a world-level fight while Clarke is expected to take a step down and begin the arduous climb back up the heavyweight mountain.