The majority of us would likely turn away, shed tears, or avoid engaging in the activity that led to our disfigurement upon the sight of an altered reflection in the mirror.
However, the experience of shock and the subsequent reaction for boxers differ significantly. To illustrate this, let’s consider the case of Fabio Wardley, the reigning British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion. After engaging in a grueling 12-round battle against Frazer Clarke in late March, Wardley found his appearance dramatically altered. Examining his reflection in the bathroom mirror, he couldn’t help but find amusement in his newfound features. His eyes, nose, forehead, and mouth bore the marks of his recent demanding endeavor, acting as tangible reminders of the arduous journey he had just endured. Despite the pain associated with these physical souvenirs, Wardley perceived the situation as one big joke.
“The injuries were excruciating,” he expressed, emphasizing the severity. “I felt as though a train had collided with me. The pain was pervasive and encompassed my entire body. Every bone and muscle throbbed relentlessly. Whether I stood up, sat down, or even moved in bed, the pain persisted. It plagued me from the moment I woke up until nightfall for a whole week. It was an unrelenting torment, pure agony and more.”
“But it was funny, also. I might be a bit mental, but I just kept laughing to myself about it. I was almost proud of myself to be wearing the battle scars. I would look at myself in the mirror and see my face all puffy and I would giggle and think, Yeah, mate, you’ve had a hell of a fight, haven’t you? I wouldn’t say it was a pat on the back, but more like a little a nod or a head raise, as if to say, ‘Yeah, you stuck it all on the line that night. You had a good go.’
Regardless of whether it was a bump or any other incident, I would reflect upon these small memories of being punched in the head and perceive them as valuable recollections.
Wardley versus Clarke in a heated debate (James Chance/Getty Images)
The essence of a fight is such that the recollections of its contenders will forever diverge from our own, as we stand privileged onlookers from beyond the ring. In the instance of Wardley and Clarke, the reminiscences of their draw will possess a profound and enduring significance, carrying a depth of emotion that eludes the comprehension of the rest of us. These memories are destined to remain ever-present, faithfully accompanying both boxers throughout their careers, serving as constant reminders of the trials they endured and the impact they had on one another.
Wardley expressed his pride in the occasion, the event, and the extensive coverage it received, as well as the substantial viewership it attracted. He believed that both the event and the championship belt were honored through the fight itself and its unfolding. Wardley shared that numerous individuals have approached him since then to commend the fight, stating that it was one of the finest they had witnessed in a considerable period.
While winning titles and becoming a champion are undeniably fantastic, what truly matters to me is being recognized as an authentic fighter, someone who fearlessly risks everything and leaves it all in the ring. I take immense pride in this aspect of my character, which is why the opinions of others hold greater significance to me than any other comments I may have received.
Wardley added, “I’ve only watched the fight once in a casual manner, without paying much attention to it. My team and I will schedule a time to thoroughly analyze it later. For now, I haven’t formed a definitive opinion about it. I acknowledge that there were numerous errors, but there were also some positives to take away. Nonetheless, there is still a significant amount of work that needs to be done.”
James Chance/Getty Images captures the moment when Wardley and Clarke engage in a fierce battle.
Of course, the majority of this work will take place in due time, as Wardley is well aware of the significance of rest and recovery.
“I’ve taken ample rest and downtime,” he stated. “After a grueling fight like that, it’s crucial. You must prioritize taking care of your body and allowing it sufficient time to recover. I’ve continued my training in the gym, maintaining my focus and making necessary tweaks and adjustments. However, I haven’t been pushing myself to the extreme.”
Regarding what the future might bring, it would be a missed opportunity for Wardley, Clarke, and their teams if they don’t arrange a rematch after such an intense initial fight. However, in the world of boxing, what is expected or seems natural seldom comes to fruition.
“I’m unsure,” Wardley replied when questioned about the potential for a Clarke rematch. “There have been rumors from their camp suggesting they’re exploring alternative options for him, so I honestly don’t have a clear answer. We recently had a discussion on Sky where he expressed his desire for another fight, but I’ve also heard from other sources that he’s considering different options for his next bout. At this point, I’m uncertain.”
There may come a time, perhaps not right away, when I would feel resentful if we didn’t have a rematch. On the night, I told my team, “We’re not rejoicing over a tie. A tie is not a victory. I understand that I still have my titles, and that’s fantastic, but the truth is I didn’t win, so there’s no reason to celebrate. There’s no cause for celebration.” So, yeah, I would probably feel slightly resentful if we didn’t resolve our differences. There’s still a lot of unfinished business between us.
Wardley and Clarke reach a draw in their match.
Wardley, an anomaly who has defied the system and secured absolute control over his destiny, possesses the same range of choices as Clarke. This exceptional ability, more akin to a clever trick, is something Wardley must not only capitalize on in the future but also impart to younger boxers at the appropriate moment.
He stated, “In the end, I am still ranked highly by several sanctioning bodies, I have retained my belts, and I am still leading the pack. Additionally, I am currently a free agent, which means I have the freedom to choose any destination, opponent, and fight that I desire. In the heavyweight division, I believe I have the greatest number of opportunities available to me. It may sound unusual, but I possess the most liberty compared to anyone else at this moment. Therefore, I have numerous options to consider, and we are actively exploring all of them. Currently, we are just brainstorming various ideas; nothing is confirmed or definite.”
At this point, his knowledge is limited to the fact that returning to the boxing ring in either August or September seems like a favorable decision. Whether this entails a rematch with Frazer Clarke remains uncertain, but Wardley, with a record of 17-0-1 (16), prefers not to delay it much further. He expressed his desire to have three fights per year, so he intends to allocate enough time for that. Last year, he only had two fights, and he is not keen on reducing it to only two fights per year. He aims to maintain a busy schedule.
When reminded about the Frazer Clarke fight in March being a double treat for the fans, Wardley chuckled, much like he has been doing lately whenever catching a glimpse of himself in the bathroom mirror. “You’re absolutely right,” he replied. “Considering the circumstances, this year seems like the perfect candidate for me to have only two fights.”
