The pair were ordered to fight for the British title in April 2023 but Clarke’s team withdrew on the day of scheduled purse bids, leading to a public spat between their respective teams over the next 12 months.
But Wardley-Clarke was worth the wait when they finally shared the ring on Easter Sunday in a result decided by small margins and judges’ preferences – the aggression by Wardley or the technical ability of Olympic bronze medallist Clarke.
Timing was also key. Clarke was dropped in the final seconds of round five. Had it been any earlier, perhaps Wardley – who had a handful of unlicensed white collar bouts before turning pro – would have finished the job.
Wardley was then staggered in the 12th round. Another minute may have proved the difference.
Clarke, who let out a frustrated sigh and rolled his eyes at the decision, says he came to terms with the result almost immediately but “should have put his foot on the gas”, while Wardley feels he could have been “more clinical”.
Despite the boxers’ regrets, however, the gruelling match-up was perfectly summed up by BBC boxing pundit Steve Bunce, who posted on X: “A privilege to watch. One of the greatest British heavyweight fights to ever take place. They deserve every prize. Thank you both.”