Eddie Hearn shared the news from the British Boxing Board of Control that Frazer Clarke has been ‘pulled out’ of his purse bid with Fabio Wardley.
Wardley has seen the final bell just once in a 16 fight undefeated pro career following white collar bouts, his third round stoppage of Nathan Gorman to win the British Heavyweight title being a career highlight.
Clarke turned over last February after an Olympic Bronze Medal, and has racked up six wins from six with four stoppages. Even despite the extensive amateur experience, a 12-round affair with Wardley was to be a big step up – although one which many feel he is ready for.
Following a war of words between the pair, the Board ordered the fight to take place and for purse bids to be prepared.
Despite the clear path to a British title, Clarke was rumoured to be taking a fight in the interim – something that baffled Wardley’s team. Clarke said he would be happy to forego it, but also that it wasn’t against the rules.
It was announced this week that he’ll be out on June 10 at York Hall to face Harry Armstrong, who is coming off a loss to fellow BOXXER heavyweight, Jeamie ‘TKV’ Tshikeva.
Wardley reacted to the news by calling Clarke a coward, and later refuted claims that BOXXER had offered him a ‘career highest payday’ to fight on Sky Sports outwith the purse bid terms. He instead looked forward to the process as ordered.
Minutes before the 12pm deadline for bids today, Hearn, who represents Wardley, took to social media to announce that Clarke was no longer participating, calling it a ‘shambles’ and a ‘disgrace.’
Heard from the BBBofC that Boxxer has pulled @BigFrazeBoxer out of the @Fabio_Wardley purse bid today. What a complete joke and a waste of our time. Robbing the fighters of opportunity and the fans of a brilliant fight. Shambles.
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) May 10, 2023
Wardley added that he ‘couldn’t believe it.’
As per the BBBofC’s order, the contest was to take place by the end of September this year. It’s unclear as of writing if the governing body will announce another mandatory challenger straight away.