Frazer Clarke endured the first loss of his professional career when he was halted in the opening round by Fabio Wardley earlier this month.
The heavyweight pair featured on the huge Riyadh Season event i. Saydi Arabia that was headlined by Artur Beterbiev’s light-heavyweight clash with Dmitry Bivol.
Clarke and Wardley fought to a draw earlier this year in one of the best bouts of 2024, and the rematch was expected to be a closely fought affair.
Wardley’s fast start saw him take control and Clarke was unable to recover after being caught with several big shots meaning that he would undergo surgery shortly after the contest.
In the aftermath of the loss, speculation existed on what the next move would be for Clarke with the injury he suffered potentially being s serious one.
Despite the setback, the 2020 Olympic bronze medalist is still eager to fight on, and he’s ruled out retirement as he plots to return as a better fighter.
"Don't get me wrong I was devastated at the time and my pride is still dented now but the fighter in me knows that I will be back," said Clarke when speaking on Talksport .
"It is going to be a difficult road, but I will work hard like I always have and aim for those heights again.
"I'm 33 but I'm in the prime of my life, I felt in my prime on that night, but it was just a great shot from Fabio and a leaky defence and switch off from myself.
"But I'm fittest now and the most athletic I've been in my whole career so I'm not even looking for it to be over. "If anything, it is just a blip in the road."
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