Fraser Clarke insists the time for talk is over as he prepares to face Fabio Wardley in the heavyweight duo’s ‘Bad Blood’ clash on Easter Sunday.
The Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist will challenge for Wardley’s British and Commonwealth titles in the main event at the O2 arena this weekend as both build on their unbeaten professional records.
The pair have gone back and forth since not attending purse bids to contest Clarke’s mandate last year, with Wardley accusing her opponent of “dickin’ her”.
Clarke, who has repeatedly denied his role in his comeback, says his mind is completely focused on fight night.
“It’s been so surreal, seeing Fabio so close to this fight definitely got the heart rate up a bit which is good for me, telling me I’m alive and it’s real,” Clarke said on Wednesday’s Face. . Close on O2.
“We’ve both sold this fight well, but it’s over now, it’s time for business, all the talking has to be done in the ring.”
“It’s just a boxing match, every time I step into the ring I intend to win and now that’s all there is to it.” All these mind games and talking, bad blood, is there but competitive in nature.
“I’m not here to entertain people and be a clown. You see a lot in boxing today with people doing things outside the ring to draw attention to themselves.
“I want to believe myself and Fabio are both here to work with some integrity and put on a good display.”
Wardley echoed his rival’s sentiment as he looks to build on his perfect 17-0 record, having been more active than the two when it came to the fight before.
The 29-year-old sees Sunday’s fight as “another step” in a journey that has seen him rise from a white-collar background to reign as British champion.
“It’s normal now, all the fun and games are done, all the hard work is done,” Wardley said. “It’s really just a full focus mode right now to combat.
“We’ve had a few encounters on the road now, I’ve seen enough of him and we don’t need any more drama.
“It’s been a great ride and a great story along the way but that’s all there is to me, just another thing to tick off and get the story going.”
“I’m here to entertain and put on a show for the fans. It’s always going to be Fabio Wardley’s win and knockout.”
Fraser Clarke and Fabio Wardley clash in a ‘Bad Blood’ showdown for the British and Commonwealth titles on Sunday 31 March at the O2 in London, live on Sky Sports; The brilliant Ben Whittaker will feature on the undercard, as will Vidal Riley vs. Michael Lovell.
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