Frazer Clarke set to undergo surgery to repair his jaw and cheekbone following brutal first-round knockout defeat by Fabio Wardley

Frazer Clarke is set to undergo surgery following his emphatic loss to Fabio Wardley in Saturday night’s British heavyweight title rematch in Riyadh.

Their first fight ended in a split-decision draw in London back in March but Wardley knocked out Clarke in the first round on Saturday.

Wardley landed a devastating right hook that resulted in Clarke being taken to hospital with jaw and cheekbone injuries.

It has since emerged that the 33-year-old will require an operation to address the injuries he suffered during the fight.

Clarke has a fracture high up on his jaw but it is hoped that it will only require day surgery, rather than a lengthy stay in hospital.

A devastating right hook left 33-year-old fighter Clarke with jaw and cheekbone injuries

Clarke pictured clinging to the ropes after being knocked out at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena

Wardley’s devastating victory on Saturday night saw him retain his British heavyweight title

After beating Clarke to retain his title on Saturday, Wardley sent his best wishes to his opponent.

Speaking after the fight, 29-year-old Wardley said: ‘I always take a prayer before my fight, always ask for me and my opponent to leave and be healthy.

‘I want, whoever I’m in with, to go back to their family and I hope he’s well, I hope I can speak to him afterwards because those first 12 rounds we shared first were special.

‘I had to make a statement tonight. I appreciate the war last time and what a great spectacle that was.’

Clarke is expected to take between six and eight weeks to fully recover.