An intriguing contest – billed as ‘Dangerous Blood’ – between two fighters with contrasting journeys, lived as much as the hype.
Olympic bronze medallist Clarke, 32, honed his craft as a part of the TeamGB set-up and thru profitable a number of newbie titles, whereas Wardley solely started hitting a punchbag aged 22 whereas nonetheless working in recruitment.
Clarke’s education was obvious from the beginning, the newbie star profitable the jab battle and touchdown uppercuts on the within.
As blood from a lower within the second spherical dripped from Wardley’s nostril on to his blue and white shorts, a nod to his beloved Ipswich City Soccer Membership, the 29-year-old got here again combating.
Wardley – who competed simply 4 occasions on the unlicensed white-collar scene earlier than turning professional – pounced on his opponent within the fifth, touchdown a brief proper as Clarke backpedalled and slumped to the ground.
Clarke was docked a degree for a low blow within the seventh however discovered a second wind in opposition to a noticeably fatigued and bloodied opponent.
The physician examined Wardley’s nostril within the tenth, a swollen proper eye additionally hindering his sight.
However simply seconds after being given the inexperienced mild to proceed, he remarkably landed a flurry of pictures as each males continued to commerce within the championship rounds.
Staggered within the closing minute of the competition by an enormous proper, Wardley in some way managed to remain on his ft, nonetheless throwing fingers up till the final bell.
Wardley admitted a rematch is “an possibility” however needs to take “5 minutes” to contemplate his subsequent step with a battle at Portman Highway, the house of Ipswich City, nonetheless very a lot on his thoughts.
“Bringing a battle to Portman Highway has been on the playing cards and I have been speaking it about it for a very long time now,” Wardley mentioned.
“Whether or not it is the rematch or one thing else, I might wish to tick that off earlier than the top of my profession.”
This was a bout a 12 months within the making after they have been ordered to battle in April 2023, just for Clarke’s promoters to withdraw him on the day of the purse bid.
They argued it was all in regards to the timing, and the wait proved to be value it.
