FABIO WARDLEY’S blood-splattered nose was called a “horror show” as he somehow went the distance in a classic British heavyweight title draw.
The Ipswich fan’s face looked like it had been hit by a tractor as he faced a pounding from Frazer Clarke – yet gave as good as he got.
Commentators called Wardley’s face a “mess” as it appeared impossible for him to continue for long following his second-round injury, especially as the cut gradually widened.
But the best bout of the year so far went the full 12 rounds, with the judges scoring it level.
One gave it to Wardley 114-113, another reckoned Clarke took it 115-112 and the third rated it 113-113 apiece.
Fans were “stunned” that the 29-year-old Suffolk star not only survived so long but was also swinging away so boldly in a gruelling contest.
Read more top stories
And afterwards Sky Sports had to ditch their usual post-fight interviews as both fighters needed medical treatment.
In fact, it was Clarke who looked in the worst nick on the final bell as he slumped on the ropes.
Some viewers believe he was lucky to get a draw as he had a point deducted for a low blow and was also floored.
One posted: “Close fight and fine with the draw but 115-112 with Clarke being knocked down and having a point deducted is madness.”
Most read in Boxing
But most seemed to have no complaints with the verdict as it was “too close to call”.
And inevitably demands for a re-match flooded in.
One fan wrote: “What a fight..Wardley has some heart.”
Another said: “Fair play to both, would love to see the rematch.”
And a third argued: “Fair result, no one deserved to lose that.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
