- Fabio Wardley knocked out Frazer Clarke in the first round of their fight
- As a result, Wardley defended his British heavyweight title in Saudi Arabia
- Clarke was given oxygen in the ring after the referee called off the fight
The first fight was considered one of the greatest British title fights in history, leading many to wonder if the rematch could live up to the hype. It’s safe to say it was.
Although both men thought they had won the first fight, Fabio Wardley left nothing to chance this time by securing a first round knockout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
It was Wardley who threw first as the pair locked horns for most of the first round in Saudi Arabia. Clarke threw a good double jab right hand in the opening round, keeping it a technical match early on, causing Wardley to get his feet moving.
However, Wardley quickly responded with a stunning overhand right that left Clarke reeling. He followed up with a barrage of punches, effectively putting Clarke on the defensive before landing another powerful right hook.
Clarke dropped to the canvas, took a knee and grabbed the ropes for support as referee Victor Loughlin began the count. Unfortunately for Clarke, Loughlin only got to five before deciding to stop the fight and declare Wardley the winner.
Although both men thought they had won the first fight, Fabio Wardley left nothing to chance this time by securing a first round knockout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Clarke fell to the canvas, took a knee and grabbed the ropes for support as referee Victor Loughlin started counting, reaching five before calling off the fight
Wardley celebrated wildly as he turned away from the ring and savored his hard-fought victory, while Clarke received immediate medical attention. Ringside photos revealed a noticeable dent on Clarke’s head, testament to the force of Wardley’s powerful punch.
Medical staff quickly administered oxygen to Clarke before assisting him as he left the ring and returned to the locker room. Fortunately, it is believed that he will be fined after the fight.
Of his quick finish, Wardley said: “Always know that if I hurt someone, I lose them. We went into the first battle with a lot of background information. My team said we might have to withdraw. We had a few issues, but we resolved them and got the game plan right, executed on the night.”
“Sometimes you need some brains, I took enough from the first fight where I was successful but had to be a little cuter, put things on and hide them. I can’t help it! War of name and nature.’
More to follow…