EASTER SUNDAY HOSTILITIES🐣: CLARKE-WARDLEY TREAT FANS TO BRITISH BOXING CLASSIC

Wardley vs Clarke provided fans with a classic battle that now has its place in British Boxing history. With the British & Commonwealth titles on the line, both fighters displayed what it truly means to leave everything in the ring. A fight that will last long in the memory had, in my opinion, a fitting ending as a draw. Neither fighter deserved to lose and both still remain unbeaten. Now as they take time to recover, the fans want to know what's next for both fighters.

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This fight brought together 2 fighters from very different amateur backgrounds. Frazer Clarke put in serious milage in the amateur boxing scene. An Olympic bronze medallist, silver at the European Championships and a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, Frazer has fought around the world honing his craft as a boxer.

Wardley on the other hand, chose to ply his trade in a less traditonal route. Building his reputation as a white-collar boxer in his hometown of Ipswich, it only took Wardley 4 small hall fights before making the decision to turn pro. It turned out to be a good one as Wardley has won all 17 fights as a heavyweight, stopping 16 of his opponents, including a big win over David Adeleye in Saudi Arabia.

Clarke has had a decent start to his pro career as well, making his professional debut at the ripe age of 30, Clarke was 8-0 with 6 KOs going into the fight. Lacking real notable opposition, Clarke was looking for a big name opponent to build his reputation as a serious contender for years to come in the heavyweight division. Wardley has never shied away from a tough scrap, which set up what was sure to be a great battle at the o2 Arena.

Clarke started fast in the early rounds, looking as sharp as he's ever looked in his pro career. His intentions on doing damage were clear. Wardley remained aggressive, throwing his own combination of punches. Both clearly respected each other's power but still had no problem trading leather throughout the fight. Clarke's most dangerous weapon was his well schooled jab, opening up the nose of Wardley, alongside a right hand uppercut that was landing all night.

But Wardley has knocked out most of his opponents for a reason, and Clarke found out quite early that his power was real. After being rocked with a right hand in the 2nd round, Clarke was wobbled again, this time receiving a flurry of punches after and stumbling to canvas in Round 5. DOWN GOES 'BIG FRAZE'! With only 10 seconds remaining, Clarke beat the count and survived the round. Clarke was later deducted a point in the 7th round for a low blow.

The fighters continued to war on for the remaining rounds and provided back and forth action for the whole fight. It was unsure whether either man would see the final bell, but once they did I'm sure there was a great sense of relief from both. The final result? A draw. One judge scored 115-112 for Clarke, another scored 114-113 to Wardley and the final judge 113-113. A result fitting of the bravery on show, with neither man deserving to lose (but I thought Clarke won it).

It's yet to be seen whether we'll see a Clarke-Wardley 2 in the near or distant future, but it's a fight that deserves a rematch. Rumoured to be on the AJ card in September, I'm sure a lot more eyes will be watching when these two heavyweights decide to fight once again.

- AE