FRAZER CLARKE refuses to allow Father Time, or in fact a first-round stoppage defeat against Fabio Wardley, to define his career in the professional ranks.
The Olympic bronze medallist turned over in 2022, expecting to replicate his success in the amateur code and perhaps even reach the dizzy heights of world championship glory.
That plan, it seems, has not been compromised in the slightest, even if a rather sizable bump in the road saw his progression take an almighty hit in October 2024.
On that particular night, ‘Big Fraze’ had no choice but to accept his punishing setback against Wardley, a man he had previously gone toe-to-toe with in a thrilling 12-round dustup.
But since then, the 34-year-old has bounced back with a first-round finish of his own, albeit against Ebenezer Tetteh in April, and believes that, after laying several of his demons to rest, he now has what it takes to star in a truly remarkable comeback story.
“Our lowest moments give us the ability to rise and come again, and I definitely did that [against Tetteh],” Clarke, 9-1-1 (7 KOs), tells Boxing News.
“It was hard [to process the Wardley defeat]; it was a really difficult time, but I’m made of the right stuff to come through those times.
“I’ve learnt a lot about myself. I’m tougher than what other people give me credit for, and I’ve been in this sport a long time. I don’t plan on going anywhere; I’m in this sport for life.
“People may or may not like that but, one way or another, I’m here for a long time.”
That he has already returned to the ring, and came through his assignment in blistering fashion, should provide enough evidence that Clarke’s mental resolve is well beyond the normal standard.
But even so, only time will tell as to whether he can fulfil those lofty ambitions he has set out for himself, no less at a time when most will deem his career to be nearing its conclusion.
For Clarke, though, there is a sense that his future in this sport remains as bright as ever, especially while he continues to fire on all cylinders in the gym.
“The numbers don’t lie,” he says. “We’re in sports science mode now and I’m only getting better, like a fine wine.
“The PBs [personal bests] are going through the roof. I’m feeling great, not just physically, but mentally I’m in a good place.”
Before anything else, Clarke must first come through his next assignment against Jeamie TKV, who found himself on the receiving end of a controversial sixth-round stoppage in April.
Prior to the finish, the 31-year-old appeared to be on course for a convincing points victory against David Adeleye, only to then succumb to a vicious left hook that was landed after referee Ron Kearney called ‘break’.
Now gearing up to face Clarke for the vacant British heavyweight title on October 25, TKV, 8-2 (5 KOs), highlighted at Wednesday’s press conference that he was previously viewed as a stepping stone by his opponent.
“I never viewed him as a tune-up fight; I was only taking the p***,” Clarke clarifies.
“He’s a good fighter. I think he’s gotten better as the years have gone on and, from his defeat [to Adeleye], I think he’ll come back even stronger.
“So it’s a difficult fight, a difficult night’s work, but I’m up for it.”
Frazer Clark and Jeamie TKV will headline the debut event in the landmark new partnership between BBC Sport and Boxxer, with all the action available to watch live and free-to-air on BBC Two 8-10pm and BBC iPlayer.
