In the much-anticipated rematch between the two heavyweights, Fabio Wardley destroyed Frazer Clarke in just one round to make a huge statement in Saudi Arabia
Fabio Wardley flattened Frazer Clarke in the first round with a stunning right hand to settle their British heavyweight title rivalry.
The pair had entertained the masses in London back in March with a thriller that ended in a controversial draw. But this was as conclusive as it could get as Wardley walloped the Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist.
Clarke hit the deck and as he tried to rise from his knees, referee Victor Loughlin waved it off as he was in no position to continue. The Ipswich fighter said: “I said I got dynamite in each hands, I know when I hurt some people I can get rid of them.
“I went into that first fight with a lot of background stuff, we got them issues fixed. We got the game plan right and we executed it on the night.
“I said before if I hurt someone I will finish them. Unless the bell saves them, if there is time left then I will get you out there.
“I want world titles now. I can’t wait to get that chance. The belts I currently have look lovely but I want the ones which say ‘world champion’ on them.”
Wardley, 29, had earlier missed with a wild right and been punished with some sharp work from Clarke. But when he pulled the trigger again he found the target on the temple. Clarke wobbled and Wardley pounced.
The Olympian had been down in their first fight which was a back-and-forth war but he had no chance of getting through this storm.
Clarke had chances to finish their first meeting as Wardley was bloodied and battered but he could barely get into his rhythm here before he was ruthlessly finished. It had taken Wardley just two minutes and 28 seconds to defend his British title.
Clarke received medical attention immediately and was given time before being brought to his feet. He was able to walk out of the ring but will be checked over further backstage because of the sickening nature of the knockout.
Slo-mo replays on TV showed a worrying indent on the side of his head where one of the big right hands had landed during Wardley’s onslaught.
Frank Warren, the promoter of Wardley, added on TV that Clarke has suffered a suspected broken cheekbone.
Wardley moves to 18 fights unbeaten with just that draw back in March the only blemish on his record.
He may make a further defence of his British title before being pushed into world-level fights next year. But Clarke, who is 33 and a latecomer to the pro game, will have to think hard about his future after this defeat in his 10th fight.
