Frazer Clarke hospitalised with gruesome facial injury after Fabio Wardley knockout

Frazer Clarke saw his hopes of beating Fabio Wardley go up in smoke in less than three minutes after he was brutally knocked out in the first round of his rematch in Saudi Arabia

Frazer Clarke was immediately sent to hospital with a suspected fractured cheekbone following his brutal defeat to Fabio Wardley.

The two heavyweights went toe-to-toe for the second time in 2024 after a thrilling first encounter ended in a split draw. But there was to be no repeat in Riyadh as Wardley demolished his opponent in less than three minutes.

Clarke was dropped in the opening exchanges, but made it back to his feet. However, there was to be no dramatic comeback as the 33-year-old was sent to the floor again after two minutes and 28 seconds of the opener.

He attempted to beat the count again, but referee Victor Loughlin waved it off as he was in no position to continue. And replays showed the brutal extent of his injury, with a dent appearing on his cheek after the decisive blow, suggesting a facial fracture had occurred.

Following the fight, Clarke was immediately taken to a hospital, where he will undergo further scans. Wardley's promoter Frank Warren instantly predicted Clarke's serious injury with serious concern raised for the former Olympian.

"I'm happy for Fabio, but at the same time I'm so worried for Frazer," Anthony Yarde said on Sky Sports.

"Anyone in boxing knows that Frazer is one of the nicest people in boxing so that's why I was worried. Seeing him look like that was worrying. It's the hurt sport, but seeing that don't make me feel good.

"Well done to Fabio. He's got that dog in him. The way he swings and he's very skilful as well."

Jonny Nelson added: "He'll be absolutely devastated and those words that ring out, you're representing all the amateurs coming through the system, that's the pressure he put on him.

"But also the manner of defeat. Regardless of what happens, he needs to make sure he gets a scan, get checked over thoroughly. I've never seen a knockout like that, it was scary, it was worrying.

"It's the greatest sport in the world, but at the same time to see a knockout like that it brings everything back to earth."

It was a different story for Wardley though, who now has his sights set on a world title after comfortably retaining his British belt. "I had to make a statement tonight. I appreciate the war last time and what a great spectacle that was.

"Made it nice and quick so people can get to sleep. I needed to close the book on it, not a 'maybe', we closed the book, finished in style and now we move on."

He added: “I said before if I hurt someone I will finish them. Unless the bell saves them, if there is time left then I will get you out there.

“I want world titles now. I can’t wait to get that chance. The belts I currently have look lovely but I want the ones which say ‘world champion’ on them.”

Wardley did take the time to send a classy message to Clarke though, who now has serious questions over his future in the sport. "I always take a prayer before my fight, always ask for me and my opponent to leave and be healthy.

"I want, whoever I'm in with, to go back to their family and I hope he's well, I hope I can speak to him afterwards because those first 12 rounds we shared first were special."