This time last month Frazer Clarke was hopeful of defeating fierce rival Fabio Wardley in their rematch before moving up to the world level but unfortunately that contest ended in a catastrophe. Now, after some doubted whether Clarke would remain in the sport, it has been revealed when ‘Big Fraze’ is targeting a return to the ring.
Wardley and Clarke were ordered to face one another for the British heavyweight title in early 2023, but the latter pulled out amid concerns that he had not partaken in enough rounds as a professional.
A full ten-rounder with Mariusz Wach and a stoppage win against David Allen soon followed, providing the Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist with the necessary experience as his rivalry with Wardley built and the pair finally went toe-to-toe back in March.
In an instant classic that was full of drama and momentum shifts, the judges were unable to split the domestic duo and both men retained their undefeated records – although it was Wardley who retained the Lonsdale Belt.
Seven months on, Wardley and Clarke met again, this time as the co-main event on the high-profile Beterbiev-Bivol card and a similarly close-fought battle was expected.
However, Fabio Wardley needed just one round to run through Clarke and send out a statement to the rest of the heavyweight division – leaving Clarke’s hopes and face dented respectively after the brutal beatdown.
As a result, many fans have questioned whether the Burton-born heavyweight will return to the professional game, pondering the severity of the injuries and the limited time for progression for the 33-year-old.
Yet, in an interview with Sky Sports, Clarke’s promoter Ben Shalom revealed that his fighter is targeting a return to action as soon as April, after receiving positive news regarding his health.
“Frazer Clarke, first of all, thankfully no real long, long-term damage,”
“He had that brain scan, and it was a sigh of relief for everyone involved.
“It was operated on without plates and without screws which is another massive plus. He will need the rest of the year to recover before he can get back in a gym.
“April for us is a target month so to be sat here now talking about when he might next fight is testament to him because that can affect you physically, psychologically.
“But the way he has dealt with it, the way he has come on, the way he is now talking, the motivation to get back in there is great to see.
“Big Frazer is a big fan favourite and I think he can use this experience to go on and achieve what we all know he is capable of.”
In terms of who may come next for Clarke, promotional stablemate Jeamie Tshikeva (7-1) is a name being mentioned, alongside the likes of popular domestic contender Johnny Fisher (12-0).
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