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An intriguing contest – billed as ‘bad blood’ – between two fighters with contrasting journeys lived up to all the hype. <\/p>\n
Olympic bronze medallist Clarke, 32, honed his craft as part of the TeamGB set-up and through winning multiple amateur titles, whereas Wardley only began hitting a punchbag aged 22 while still working in recruitment. <\/p>\n
Clarke’s schooling was apparent from the start, the amateur star winning the jab battle and landing uppercuts on the inside. <\/p>\n
As blood from a cut in the second round dripped from Wardley’s nose on to his blue and white shorts, a nod to his beloved Ipswich Town Football Club, the 29-year-old came back fighting. <\/p>\n
Wardley – who competed just four times on the unlicensed white-collar scene before turning pro – pounced on his opponent in the fifth, landing a short right as Clarke backpedalled and slumped to the floor. <\/p>\n
Clarke was docked a point for a low blow in the seventh but found a second wind against a noticeably fatigued and bloodied opponent. <\/p>\n
The doctor examined Wardley’s nose in the 10th, a swollen right eye also hindering his sight. <\/p>\n
But just seconds after being given the green light to continue, he remarkably landed a flurry of shots as both men continued to trade in the championship rounds. <\/p>\n
Staggered in the final minute of the contest by a huge right, Wardley somehow managed to stay on his feet, still throwing hands up until the last bell.<\/p>\n
This was a bout a year in the making after they were ordered to fight in April 2023 only for Clarke’s promoters to withdraw him on the day of the purse bid.<\/p>\n
They argued it was all about the timing, and the wait proved to be worth it. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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