FRAZER CLARKE has revealed that a leading surgeon was woken up in order to treat him after his brutal knockout by Fabio Wardley.
The British boxer was left with a dent in his head after his first-round defeat in Riyadh.
The gruesome injury suffered by Clarke saw Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh spring into action.
He reportedly called a sleeping leading surgeon in the early hours of October 13 to make sure that Clarke received the best treatment.
Clarke, 33, revealed that the call was made as he outlined his horror injuries.
He told talkSPORT: “Two fractures to the cheekbone, the recovery is going to be between eight and 12 weeks.
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“They told me that surgery went exactly as they wanted it to, and that it will heal stronger than before.
“A massive thank you to everyone in Saudi Arabia who looked after me, because they were unbelievable.
“My partner, she was unbelievable.
“I’m grateful, because at the time it looked very bad for me, but I’m grateful.”
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The Olympic bronze medalist also wrote off the idea that he will hang up his gloves following his “devastating” loss.
He added: “Don’t get me wrong, I was devastated at the time and my pride is still dented now
“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 the 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.
“We were so prepared for that fight. It was the best shape I had been in both mentally and physically, and I didn’t see anything but a win for myself.
“But it was a harsh reminder, especially in heavyweight boxing, that if you switch off for a second that is what can happen. And I’ve had to learn it the hard way.
“I hold my hands up; my team did a fantastic job, it was me making the mistake, and it cost me.”
Wardley’s win over Clarke meant that he maintained his unbeaten record and ended the pair’s rivarly.
Clarke insisted that he wishes the best for the 29-year-old moving forward.
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He said: “I vaguely remember saying congratulations to Fabio in the ring on the night.
“Everything was a bit of a blur, but I vaguely remember saying well done to him, and I told anyone that would see him – including [promoter] Frank Warren – to pass on my best wishes and congratulations.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
