THE ANTICIPATED REMATCH OF WARDLEY vs CLARKE

The two undefeated British heavyweights will renew their rivalry in a highly anticipated rematch on the same card as the undisputed light-heavyweight fight between Artur Berterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol in Saudi Arabia on October 12th Riyadh season.

The British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion, Fabio Wardley (17-1-0 16 KOs), will face Olympic Bronze medallist Frazer Clarke (8-1-0 6 KOs) on the same card as the undisputed light heavyweight fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dimitry Bivol in Saudi Arabia on October 12th. The card features a co-main event, which sees former IBF super featherweight champion Joe Cordina fight Shakur Stevenson the WBC Lightweight Champion. Also the card will feature the likes of IBF Cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, Chris Eubank Jr and Ben Whittaker.

In an historic event, which will see a groundbreaking moment in the middle east, the first women’s fight to take place in Saudi Arabia ,Australian WBC featherweight world champion Skye Nicholson will make the first defence of her title as she faces England’s Raven chapman.

The first Wardley Clarke fight in March 2024 headlined at London 02 Arena was one of the best fights to date in 2024. A British heavyweight classic, billed as `bad blood` lived up to the hype, The fascinating 12 round-war, finished with Clarke stumbling to the corner with exhaustion Wardley bloodied from the nose.

Wardley retained the British and Commonwealth titles after a split points draw with Clarke. Judges scored the brutal and bloody battle 114-113 to Wardley 115-112 Clarke and 113-113.

The Boxxer promoted event was a massive success in terms of Sky Sports audience which attracted a peak audience of 746,000 for the main event.

Wardley, who was making his second defence of the British and first defence of his Commonwealth titles, responded well in the second after a cagey first round trying to establish their retrospective jabs. Wardley shook Clarke with a right hand in the latter part of round two. Clarke's accuracy with the left hand resulted in Wardley with damage to his nose, which hampered his breathing throughout the fight, worsening as the fight continued in the later rounds. Clarke with his Olympic pedigree, showing better fundamentals in the early part of the fight.

Clarke dropped in the fifth round from a barrage of punches, Wardley continued pursuing Clarke around the ring until he finally succumbed, taking the count only to saved by the bell at the end of the fifth.

In the seventh, Clarke was deducted a point for multiple low blows, then landed a tremendous right hook in the eighth Wardley ended weary and vulnerable. With blood streaming from his nose, Wardley began to fatigue and throw wildly, but missing Clarke was the more economical with his punch output expending less energy.

The ringside doctor looked at his injured nose in the tenth and deemed the fight could continue. Wardley launched an attack that caught Clarke off guard again, leaving him unsteady on his feet. Both men again showing signs of fatigue in the final two rounds, both men looking out on their feet, and hurting each other at times.

When round thirteen begins in the second fight both men will continue where they left off from the first bout but, this time, will not want to leave this in the judge's hands. It will be key in the build-up to see what improvements both men can make after sharing the ring for twelve gruelling rounds, they will learn so much about themselves and each other's strengths and weaknesses what you can’t question is their heart, and desire to win.

The winner of the rematch will have multiple options available. Assuming its Wardley at 29, he will have the former European heavyweight champion in his sights (Unbeaten Agit Kabayel) Joe Joyce or Derek Chisora. Clarke, 33, will have a long road back should he lose. However, there will be opportunities to fight the rising stars Moses Itauma and Johnny Fisher who are both big names in Britain.

Its a proper 50/50 fight and too close to call.