FABIO WARDLEY wasn’t interested in having another thrilling 12-round slugfest with Frazer Clarke in Riyadh.
The British and Commonwealth champion was clearly in seek-and-destroy mode, as shown by his first-round win last night. After the fight of the year contender in London seven months ago, many predicted a similar battle. However, in less than 30 seconds, Wardley had his man hurt and showed no mercy when Clarke turned his back and finished him off in brutal fashion.
Speaking to Boxing News afterwards, the champion said: “We knew how much of a big thrilling fight the last one was and it’s always great to have those but immediately after I said I don’t want too many of those. They can take a toll on you, they can take time out of you.
“I said in interviews that I left a piece of my soul in the O2 that night and as much as I love Saudi and the people I wasn’t trying to do that.”
Attention now turns to who the Queensberry heavyweight will face next. But Wardley made it clear there are no specific names he’s calling out, he just wants to be a part of a thriving division on the world stage.
“Boxing is a funny game. You never know who’s going to end up where,” he said.
“I’m going to have the rest of the year off and we’ll see how other boxers get on and what else happens. Then we’ll enter the New Year, I’ll have a chat with Frank [Warren] and George [Warren[ and His Excellency as well and see if we can get back out here.”
