Wardley's dream Portman Road bout 'closer than ever'

Fabio Wardley knocked out Fraser Clarke in the first round of their fight

British heavyweight Fabio Wardley says that his dream fight at Ipswich Town's Portman Road is still "on the cards" following some big wins in Saudi Arabia.

The 29-year-old knocked out fellow Briton Fraser Clarke on Saturday in the first round to defend his British and Commonwealth titles.

The devastating finish early on resulted in Clarke having to go to hospital and have surgery on his jaw and cheekbone.

Despite two of his last three contests being held in Saudi Arabia, Wardley still wants to live the dream of stepping into the ring at his beloved Ipswich Town.

"It’s still the dream and it’s on the cards," Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk.

"If anything it’s closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he’s done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Prior to Saturday's first round stoppage win, Wardley was held to a draw by the same opponent Clarke in a gruelling 12 round contest at London's O2 Arena.

The draw was the first time since his professional debut that he had not knocked out the man stood in front of him.

Wardley has been recognised by the Ring Magazine and entered their top 10 rated heavyweights, moving into ninth position.

"When you look at the rest of the names in there you’ve got Usyk, Fury and AJ," Wardley added.

"I’m like three or four places behind these people and it seems a bit mad, these are all great things for me though and I’m just buzzing for the future.

"I’ll sit down with my team next and decide which path we move onto next.

"I want to position myself as best as I can for a world title shot or eliminator, I need to take advice because right now I’m in uncharted territory in my career."