Worried for Frazer
Light-heavyweight contender Anthony Yarde told Sky Sports: “I’m happy for Fabio, but at the same time I’m so worried for Frazer.
“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.”
The main event
And then there was one. Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol.
The pair will finally step in the ring together with all four titles on the line. Beterbiev holds the WBC, WBO and IBF belts while 33-year-old Bivol is the WBA Super champion.
Now this contest was scheduled for 11pm with the fight expected to start at around 23:30 – but I do hope they’ll bring it forward, for all our sakes.
War by name War by nature
Report from our man Wally Downes Jr in Riyadh
Fabio Wardley massacred Frazer Clarke in a single brilliant round that left the battered challenger with a DENT in his skull.
The 29-year-old Suffolk Puncher survived a horribly mangled nose back in March when the Olympic bronze winner smashed it into a bloody mess and they shared a brilliant draw.
But in Riyadh on Saturday night it was 33-year-old Clarke and his mess of a corner that needed wiping off of the floor.
Brilliant Wardley grinned: “I know that once I hurt someone, I can get rid of them. I had a few issues for the first fight but I got rid of them, had a game plan and executed it.
“I learned enough from the first fight to know I had enough to beat him properly. I can’t help it, it’s my name; War by name War by nature.
“I want belts and titles next, these domestic ones are great but I want the ones that have ‘world’ written on them.
“I want belts and titles next, these domestic ones are great but I want the ones that have ‘world’ written on them.”
On his feet
It’s good to see Frazer Clarke is back up on his feet. He walks over to congratulate Fabio Wardley before being escorted out of the ring. Fingers crossed he’s not too damaged after that.
Devastating
That was utterly devastating from champion Fabio Wardley.
After a slowish two minutes, Wardley rocked Clarke with a big right before pouncing on him with a flurry of shots.
Clarke just about stayed on his feet before Wardley advanced and unleashed a looping right that buried his opponent, who required the doctors immediately.
Wardley moves to 18-0-1 with 17 KOs.
Fabio Wardley beats Frazer Clarke by KO
Both fighters just feeling each other out in these very early stages. Both keeping their distance and testing each other with the odd jab…
Bang! It’s over!
Fabio Wardley delivers a colossal right to drill Frazer Clarke to the deck and the referee waves it off with the challenger still down on his haunches.