Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke are getting ready to fight again this weekend. They'll meet on the undercard of the Dmitry Bivol vs Artur Beterbiev fight. The two heavyweights are running it back after their first fight in March ended in a split decision draw.
Their first clash was a 12-round war with the British and Commonwealth titles on the line. Wardley fought through a badly broken and heavily bleeding nose, while Clarke had to bounce back from a heavy knockdown in the fifth round that slowed him down.
Wardley, who still holds the British and Commonwealth belts, came up through white collar boxing. Clarke, on the other hand, brings Olympic pedigree as a Bronze Medalist.
Eddie Hearn, who promotes both fighters, shared his thoughts on the rematch in an interview with iFL TV.
"I really like both guys. Got loads of time for Fabio. Known Frazer for years. I think Frazer's conditioning is going to have to be better in this fight. I worry about Fabio's nose. There is a bit of damage there from last time. Sometimes when you have that injury, it's like Brian Rose, every fight, after two rounds, it was like here we go again. Frazer's got to do damage early but Wardley is very sharp early. I think I lean towards Frazer, I think the experience he got in the last fight really helped him. May the best man win."
Hearn points out concerns for both fighters. He worries about Wardley's nose injury from the first fight and thinks Clarke needs to improve his conditioning. Despite these concerns, he leans slightly towards Clarke winning the rematch.
The stakes are high for both men. The winner will likely move up to the next level in their career. As Hearn puts it, whoever comes out on top will be looking to push on.
Their first fight was an epic battle that showcased the drama of heavyweight boxing. Fans can expect another hard-fought contest this weekend as both men aim to settle the score once and for all.
