Frazer Clarke expects a stern test from Dave Allen when the British heavyweights trade leather in Manchester on Saturday.

Olympic bronze medallist Clarke, 32, stretched his unbeaten pro record to seven wins with a one-sided points victory over durable Pole Mariusz Wach in June.

And next up for the Burton-born bruiser is a domestic duel with popular Yorkshireman Allen, who is returning to a top-level bill for the first time since losing to David Price in 2019. 

Speaking exclusively to LiveScore, Big Fraze confirmed his belief that Allen — who has won 21 times in 28 outings —  is not simply turning up for a payday. 

Clarke said: "I know he's doing the work. It's out there for everyone to see — he's not quiet about it!

"I follow Dave on Instagram and every day he's showing us his pad work or who he's sparring with, which is fantastic. I want the best version of him to turn up.

"He's very similar in toughness to Mariusz. He doesn't give you anything and he's very dangerous.

"It'll be a tough night's work but I'm preparing very well and looking forward to it."

Brighter days ahead

Clarke's perfectionist nature has often led to him singling out areas requiring improvement in his post-fight interviews.

But the former Team GB star is content with his rise through the ranks — and intends to give himself a bit more credit going forward.

He added: "[Criticising myself] is something I'm going to stop doing. 

"I know I've not shown my best but equally, when I look at the other prospects in the division at the moment, has anyone else done better than me? Probably not.

"I'm doing alright, doing everything that's being asked of me. I always expect high standards but I'm moving in the right direction and I'm hungry for more." 

While he refuses to look beyond his next opponent, a showdown with British heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley remains in Clarke's sights. 

He said: "It's a fight I want. The British title is something I want but I also want to fight Fabio. It'd be a great domestic dust-up.

"Let me focus on Dave first, though. Winning is everything in this sport and I just want to come out with my hand raised on Saturday."