Wardley’s Preference: Clarke Rematch On The Books Despite New Promoter
Fabio Wardley’s recent signing with a new promoter won’t stand in the way of a highly anticipated rematch with Frazer Clarke, according to his team.
The British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion, Fabio Wardley, who has notably maintained his independence from major promoters, is rumoured to be aligning with one of the UK’s most influential boxing promoters. Despite concerns that a new alliance could jeopardise a rematch with Frazer Clarke, his advisor, Mike Ofo, remains confident that the fight will proceed.
“With what we’re seeing in boxing now, promoters are willing to work together,” Ofo stated. “They’re realising that there’s still money in it with working together. Fabio wants that fight, so he’s not gonna go and join a promoter that’s going to say, ‘No, that fight’s not on the cards’. If he’s to get involved with any promoter, his fundamental is he wants to have that rematch. If it doesn’t happen it’s not because of Fabio Wardley or because he’s joined with another network.”
Determination for the Rematch
Wardley’s team is determined to secure the Clarke rematch, which was an exhilarating contest last March. Ofo emphasised Wardley’s dedication: “That’s a fight he wants and that we’ve been actively trying to make. If that fight doesn’t happen it’s nothing to do with Fabio Wardley; his instruction to us – his team – is to go out and make that fight happen. We’ve been speaking with [Clarke’s] promoter; we’ve been trying to get that fight made next; it’s a fight that he’s ecstatic about, and he’s got a lot of confidence that he can stop Frazer Clarke. It’s a fight we’re trying to make.”
Wardley is keen to remain active, and his team aims to have the rematch before the end of the year. “Fabio’s an active heavyweight, so by the end of the year we want this rematch to take place. I don’t want to say too much, but we’re in the works of making it happen. In terms of our intention – our intention would be to have this fight as soon as possible.”
Heavyweight Clash Anticipation
The anticipation surrounding this heavyweight clash is palpable. Ofo expressed the urgency and enthusiasm from Wardley’s camp: “We want the fight. I can’t talk about what they say they want and what they actually want – maybe they’re two different things. I can confidently say that we want the fight and we are pushing for the fight to happen. I’m pretty confident [it’ll be next]. If we had both fighters it’d be done already. But we don’t, unfortunately. There is some confidence that the fight can still be next.”
The brutal nature of their previous encounter means both fighters need adequate recovery time. “It was a brutal fight, and it’s good for the boxer to have some downtime – mentally as well. We see the physical, but mentally it’s quite draining to have a fight like that. There was an assumption that his nose was broken, etcetera. His nose was fine. He was just bleeding heavily. Within a couple of weeks he was back feeling fine. We’re not gonna rush him into anything but he’s ready to go again. He’s back training. It’s a matter of when we can get a date. Hopefully, if we can get a deal over the line, that fight will happen.”
Wardley’s Future in Boxing
Managed by Dillian Whyte, Wardley’s future remains a hot topic in boxing circles. Ofo commented on potential signings and Wardley’s free-agent status: “He’s a free agent and we’re talking to everybody, including Queensberry. He’s a hot property. If you’re a smart promoter you’d want him on board, so we’re having conversations with everyone. We always go fight by fight, so if it’s in his best interests – because it’s all about Fabio and his future – then he will remain a free agent. If somebody puts in an offer that we can’t refuse because it serves him well, then we will make the right decision to secure his future.”
The stage is set for Wardley’s next move, and fans eagerly await confirmation of the rematch with Clarke, a clash that promises to be another thrilling chapter in heavyweight boxing.
