Fabio Wardley overcame a brutal nose injury to battle through 12 rounds and secure a split draw against Frazer Clarke on Sunday night. The ring was soaked in blood for the majority of the contest, with the London crowd witnessing a gruelling heavyweight showdown.
Clarke opened a cut on Wardley's nose as early as Round 2, and despite the best efforts of his corner, the bleeding could not be stemmed. By the final bell, Wardley's face, the referee's shirt, and the canvas were all covered in blood. Wardley showed immense heart to make it to the end, having appeared to feel the pace long before the finish.
Clarke looked the more composed fighter throughout, but his hopes of claiming Wardley's British and WBA Continental heavyweight titles were dashed when the judges' scorecards were read. One judge scored the fight 114-113 for Wardley, another 115-112 for Clarke, and the third 113-113, resulting in a split draw that allowed Wardley to retain his belts.
Wardley gained the upper hand in Round 5, sending Clarke to the canvas, but the bell rang as Clarke regained his feet, giving him time to recover. Clarke had a point deducted in Round 7 for a low blow, but by then Wardley's nose was causing him serious trouble. Referee Steve Gray called the doctor to check Wardley's injury in the later rounds, but he was permitted to continue.
The fight has been hailed as an instant classic, with boxing fans demanding a rematch. Both fighters remain unbeaten, and a second meeting would likely carry even more excitement given the nature of Sunday's epic battle at The O2.
