October 14th 2024.
Fabio Wardley emerged victorious over Frazer Clarke in a highly anticipated rematch that lasted only two minutes and 28 seconds. Despite the quick defeat, a battered and bruised Clarke showed great sportsmanship by congratulating Wardley after undergoing surgery for a severe injury sustained during the fight in Riyadh on Saturday.
The two British heavyweight rivals had previously faced each other in March, resulting in a split draw. This time, however, the bout was anything but close as Wardley dominated from the start, knocking Clarke down twice in the opening round at Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Arena. Referee Victor Loughlin had no choice but to call off the fight after Wardley's barrage of punches, including the final blow that sealed his victory. The 29-year-old, along with his team, celebrated wildly as the crowd roared with excitement.
Unfortunately, amidst the celebrations, there was cause for serious concern as Clarke, in a dazed state, was seen slumped against the ropes with a sickening dent in the side of his head. The concerned Wardley quickly offered his support, and Clarke was taken to the hospital for tests. Thankfully, he has since been discharged and has returned home with his wife by his side.
Gareth A Davies, a boxing pundit and broadcaster, shared an update on his Instagram page, stating that he had just spoken to Clarke at the airport in Riyadh and that the veteran fighter was feeling okay despite having his jaw wired shut. He also mentioned that Clarke had shown him pictures of the three breaks he sustained. He went on to praise the surgeon, who is known to be the best in Saudi, for his work.
Clarke's injury was visible in the form of a large dent in the side of his head, but he reassured everyone that he was okay. He even had a message for Wardley, saying, "Well done mate, I've been in boxing for a very long time, and no one has ever hit that hard. I'm proud of the 13 rounds we've had together." Davies also expressed his relief at seeing Clarke on his way home, stating that his heart was lifted.
Wardley, on the other hand, was overjoyed with his win and explained how he had managed to address some issues from their previous encounter. The Ipswich-born fighter confidently stated that he knew he could finish the fight once he had his opponent hurt. He also gave credit to his team for devising the perfect game plan and executing it flawlessly. Wardley's aggressive fighting style, which earned him the nickname "war," was on full display, and he admitted that he couldn't help but go into "war mode" once he had his opponent in trouble.
While Clarke is expected to be out of action for six to eight weeks due to his injury, he is already looking ahead to his return to the ring in early 2025. His reporter, Ben Shalom, shared in a statement that Clarke had successfully undergone minor surgery and was feeling motivated to come back stronger next year. He also thanked everyone for their well-wishes and hoped for a speedy recovery. Clarke's determination and resilience are a testament to his character, and we can't wait to see him back in action.
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