'That day has now come' - Ste Clarke left pinching himself as he is set to fulfil lifelong dream

When Ste Clarke walks out at the AO Arena on Saturday night, he will be fulfilling a promise made to his girlfriend just a couple of years ago.

Clarke made the best possible start to life as a professional fighter with a third-round stoppage victory over Vasif Mamedov at the M&S Bank Arena back in January. This weekend, he returns to the ring to take on Jensen Irving at the AO Arena in Manchester. A venue that has hosted some of the biggest fights the UK has played host to.

The former Tarleton Academy pupil is no stranger to the venue; it is a place he has visited to watch the likes of Amir Khan, Kell Brook and Natasha Jonas fight in the past. And during one of those visits, he promised girlfriend Kirsty that he would one day be back, only this time fighting in the ring himself.

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“The AO Arena is actually one of my favourite arenas,” Clarke tells the ECHO. “I have been there a few times watching boxing with my family and friends. To fight there myself is unbelievable. Another dream come true.

"I can’t wait until Saturday night. I remember sitting there at one of the shows with my girlfriend and saying to her, 'I will be fighting in here one day'. That day has now come.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better start. Two top arenas in the North West. Lads don’t get that for their debuts and their second fight. I am really grateful for the opportunities I am getting. I am looking to take them with both hands.”

Not only does Clarke have Paul Smith as his manager, but he is also trained by Stephen Smith at his Rotunda ABC base. The former