Over the past weekend, we witnessed yet another thrilling British title contest at the O2 Arena in London, which ultimately concluded in a draw.
Just two weeks after the thrilling middleweight title match in Manchester between Nathan Heaney and Brad Pauls, heavyweights Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke engaged in a similarly intense battle that ended in a deadlock.
Similar to the Heaney and Pauls matchup, I’m eager to witness a rematch between Wardley and Clarke. This desire stems not only from the fact that the judges couldn’t declare a clear winner that night but also because it was an exhilarating fight to behold.
In my opinion, it would be wise for the two heavyweight fighters to refrain from boxing again for at least six months. The intense match they had resulted in significant damage, and apart from the visible injuries like cuts and bruises, their brains would greatly benefit from a break to avoid further punches.
While it is expected in the sport, it would be imprudent for either man to hastily return to fighting or resume sparring immediately after enduring the consequences of their actions. Boxing is undeniably a ruthless sport, and as enthusiasts, we appreciate thrilling, intense battles like this one. However, it is crucial for the fighters to prioritize their well-being and for all involved parties to contribute their utmost in minimizing the detrimental long-term effects associated with boxing.
Honestly, I must admit that I found it quite difficult to witness the relentless exchange of blows between the two fighters, particularly towards the end of the match. Considering their high probability of dehydration and undeniable fatigue, it was impossible for me not to contemplate the potential consequences that this intense combat could have for both individuals involved.
Last week, I expressed my opinion that Dalton Smith and Adam Azim should engage in a boxing match. I also provided reasons to support my suggestion.
Regrettably, it appears that won’t be happening as Azim has decided to give up his European super-lightweight title and is now likely to face Harlem Eubank instead. While this bout is expected to be quite competitive, it signifies a step down from European Level competition and suggests Azim’s team’s perspective on his current progress.
There doesn’t seem to be any reason for Smith to engage in a confrontation with Azim at this time. It would be more beneficial for him to capitalize on his victory against Jose Zepeda by taking on another opponent at the fringe world-level. If things go well, he could even consider facing Josh Taylor or Jack Catterall, depending on the outcome of their upcoming fight next month. A potential match between Smith and the loser of Taylor and Catterall later in the year would undoubtedly be a high-stakes matchup.
