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Fabio Wardley, of Ipswich, tipped for world titles by promoter Frank Warren after first round victory over Frazer Clarke in Saudi Arabia

13:48, 15 October 2024

updated: 14:13, 15 October 2024

An Ipswich boxer has been tipped to challenge for a world title in the new year after defending his British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles in dramatic fashion at the weekend.

Fabio Wardley, of Ipswich, knocked down Frazer Clarke after just two minutes and 28 seconds in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.

The two previously went the 12 rounds in March at The O2 Arena, which saw Wardley retain his titles after a split decision draw.

Fabio Wardley of Ipswich, has been tipped for the world stage by his Queensbury Promotions promoter Frank Warren after victory over Frazer Clark in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Picture: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
Fabio Wardley of Ipswich, has been tipped for the world stage by his Queensbury Promotions promoter Frank Warren after victory over Frazer Clark in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Picture: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

The Ipswich boxer is managed by fellow heavyweight icon Dillian Whyte and is under a multi-fight deal with big-name promoter Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions, which was signed prior to the fight. He sported ‘ITFC’ emblazoned shorts in the bout.

Warren told Steve Bunce’s BBC boxing podcast: “I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t fight for a world title next year.

“That was a world class knockout, I mean he absolutely poleaxed him. I think he’s fractured a cheekbone and he was out on his feet.

Fabio Wardley claimed victory over Frazer Clark with a first round knockout. Picture: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
Fabio Wardley claimed victory over Frazer Clark with a first round knockout. Picture: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

“What a good finisher, that was absolute world class quality finishing.”

After the win in Saudi Arabia, Wardley remains unbeaten in his professional career with a record of 18-0-1, including 17 knockouts.

At the opening of the bout, he took a strong left hook from the fighter from Burton, before advancing into action with a hook of his own.

Fabio Wardley claimed victory over Frazer Clark in just two minutes and 28 seconds. Picture: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
Fabio Wardley claimed victory over Frazer Clark in just two minutes and 28 seconds. Picture: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

He followed this with a series of body shots before another hook sent Clark onto the ropes.

A final hook later, and Wardley had won.

Speaking after the fight he said: “I made my statement tonight, it’s my first fight since signing to QP, so I had to make a big statement and I’ve done that and ticked it off.

Fabio Wardley entering the ring at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Picture: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
Fabio Wardley entering the ring at the Kingdom Arena in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Picture: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
Fabio Wardley spoke of his new deal with Queensbury Promotions and his trust in 'Uncle Frank' Warren in the wake of the fight. Picture: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions
Fabio Wardley spoke of his new deal with Queensbury Promotions and his trust in 'Uncle Frank' Warren in the wake of the fight. Picture: Leigh Dawney/Queensberry Promotions

Look, I’m a QP boy for a reason now. Uncle Frank’s in charge, he’s running the game – so if he says it, I believe it.

“I’m a QP boy for a reason now. Uncle Frank’s in charge, he’s running the game, so if he says it, I believe it.

“I’ve delivered my bit and I always believe in uncle Frank to deliver his.”

Tommy Fletcher, of Hockwold-cum-Wilton, is also under Queensberry Promotions. The 6tft7 cruiserweight is fighting this weekend at York Hall against Milans Volkovs.

Journalist Gareth Davies took to X in the wake of the fight after encountering Clarke at the airport.

He said his wife was with him and his jaw was wired. Davies said Clarke congratulated Wardley, adding no one had ‘ever hit him that hard’ and he was proud of the 13 rounds the had shared.

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