Fabio Wardley retained his British and Commonwealth heavyweight title with a draw with Fraser Clarke. Olympic bronze medalist Clark started brightly, but Wardley roared back into the match and scored a fifth round knockdown, with both fighters banging until the end.
by John Dennen, sports journalist
23:28, UK, Sunday 31 March 2024
Fabio Wardley and Fraser Clarke drew in an epic heavyweight contest, but it turned out to be too close to call.
After 12 breathtaking rounds, Wardley won 114-113 on one card, Clark won 115-112 on another card, and it was level 113-113 on the third card.
Clark had to get back up from a knockdown in the fifth round and was given a point deduction for a low blow, which proved to be a decisive moment.
Clarke, a 2021 Olympic bronze medalist, was making the biggest step up in his professional career when he challenged Wardley for the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles.
The match between the two men also has personal meaning, with Wardley mocking Clark since Clark withdrew from the mandatory bid last year.
Over the next few months, anticipation for their contest only grew, with 13,000 supporters packing the O2 and creating a raucous atmosphere.
It was the most important British heavyweight title fight since Anthony Joshua defeated Dillian Whyte in the same arena in 2015.
Watch Fabio Wardley defeat Fraser Clarke at the end of the fifth round in their title fight at the O2 Arena
Clark was competing for these titles in just his ninth professional contest. Despite this, he kept his cool early on.
He backed away from the right whip and continued to land the jab. Clarke's cross was shaken by a well-protected guard, and Clarke landed a delicate punch to the body.
Wardley jumped forward to start the second round, and a heavy hook landed on Clark. The challenger was under pressure and had to retreat into a corner to save the day.
He did so and countered with a power punch of his own.
A solid right met Wardley, who buckled for a split second. But that only galvanized the Ipswich man. He lunged at Clark and delivered another dangerous punch.
However, Clark opted for an effective uppercut aimed at his rival.
Wardley's nose was bloody by the third round. But even as Clark landed with incredible force, the champion recovered and fought back.
He landed a right hand in the fifth round and clipped Clark with a powerful combination.
A sharp right-hander caught Clark's throw, and Wardley lined up another big hit to sweep the challenger off his feet.
Clark beats the count and the bell rang to end the round before Wardley could mount a flurry of attacks.
Starting the sixth round, Wardley drove Clark back with a jab, then rocked Clark with a big uppercut. However, the challenger softened the attack with an uppercut of his own.
Clark lost a point in the seventh round when the referee warned him for a low blow. Still, he found some painful shots to the head, timing a left hook and punching a right uppercut.
Natasha Jonas and Jonny Nelson analyze Fraser Clarke's three low blows on Fabio Wardley
Wardley drove the hook into Clark's body, sucking blood from his damaged nose. However, Clark beat Wardley with a right cross.
A light punch knocked Wardley over. By the ninth round, the champion was looking weak and some of the energy was leaking from his efforts.
However, they continued to attack in the next round. But referee Steve Gray called in a doctor to examine Wardley's nose.
Wardley responded by catching Clark with a monster right, forcing the challenger into a clinch.
However, Clarke's cross, which was thrown into Wardley's attack, stopped the opponents.
It was an engaging and compelling action. Wardley started against him in the final round as well. Clark, breathing heavily, drove his right hook to the body, trying hard to find a breakthrough.
A hard right hook to the jaw sent Wardley into the ropes. However, the proud champion did not stop there and continued to fight until the end. He retained the title but lost neither.
