Fabio Wardley KNOCKS OUT Frazer Clarke in round one of their rematch to defend his British heavyweight title

The first fight was regarded as one of the greatest British title fights in history, leaving many wondering if the rematch could possibly live up to the hype. It’s safe to say it did.

While both men believed they had won the initial bout, Fabio Wardley wasn’t leaving anything to chance this time around securing a first round knockout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

It was Wardley who threw first as the pair felt each other out for the majority of the first round in Saudi Arabia. Clarke threw a good double jab, right hand in the opening round, keeping it a technical contest early on, making Wardley move his feet.

However, Wardley quickly responded with a stunning overhand right that sent 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, taking a knee and gripping the ropes for support as referee Victor Loughlin began his count. Unfortunately for Clarke, Loughlin only reached five before deciding to stop the fight, declaring Wardley the winner.

Clarke dropped to the canvas, taking a knee and gripping the ropes for support as referee Victor Loughlin began his count – reaching five before calling the bout off

Wardley celebrated exuberantly as he turned away from the ring, reveling in his hard-fought victory, while Clarke received prompt medical attention

Wardley celebrated exuberantly as he turned away from the ring, reveling in his hard-fought victory, while Clarke received prompt medical attention. Ringside photos revealed a noticeable dent on Clarke’s head, a testament to the force of Wardley’s powerful blow.

Medical staff quickly administered oxygen to Clarke before assisting him as he exited the ring and made his way back to the changing room. Fortunately, he is believed to fine following the bout.

Speaking about his fast finish after having his hand raised inside the ring, Wardley said: ‘Always know once I’ve hurt someone, I get rid of them. Went into the first fight with a lot of background stuff, my team said maybe we should pull out, had a couple of issues but we fixed them and got the gameplan right, executed on the night.’

‘Sometimes it takes a little bit of brains, I took enough from the first fight where I had success but needed to be a bit cuter, set things up and disguise them. I can’t help it! War by name and nature.’

More to follow…