By Elliot Worsell
The majority of them appeared indistinguishable. With their bald heads, square-shaped bodies, and unwavering conviction that a scowl conveys a multitude of emotions.
These men appeared as though they were made from a common blueprint, standing with folded arms, straining their biceps against tight polo shirts. They would puff up their chests and squint their eyes, all in an attempt to detect danger before anyone else. Hailing from different regions, some from the north and others from the south, they were fated to converge in a central location, Derby to be precise. For some, wearing a smile was considered a vulnerability, while for others, it was seen as a formidable strength. A few had already concluded their battles, while others were only beginning their journey.
Among the group, there was a man who went by the nicknames “Fraze” or “Big Fraze”. Unlike the others, he had a more reserved demeanor and could often be spotted near the ring post during public training sessions or on the actual fight night. Despite sharing a bald appearance with his peers, he stood out for a couple of noteworthy reasons. Firstly, he was noticeably younger than the rest of the group, and secondly, he held the position of a security guard while harboring his own aspirations to pursue boxing.
That, as a concept, was quite novel. After all, while you would typically find ex-boxers taking up security roles, rarely would you stumble upon an active boxer – an amateur at that – going into security work to supplement their income. He was good, too, they said, this Frazer Clarke; at boxing, that is. Time and time again, in fact, you would hear his colleagues speak of how much potential he had and how in a matter of years he would not only compete at the Olympic Games but win a medal and then turn professional. Mostly, when hearing this sort of talk, you just rolled your eyes, thinking, Yeah, yeah, not another one.
Meanwhile, Clarke found satisfaction in observing and acquiring knowledge, as he patrolled vast arenas not as the main attraction, but as one of the individuals striving to maintain everyone’s safety. In his position as a security guard during fight nights, his duty revolved around preserving order rather than instigating chaos, which presented quite a paradox.
According to Simon Roberts, formerly of Security Alert UK (SAUK), he expressed that the individual took pleasure in his job. He found enjoyment in both boxing and security, and this particular role allowed him to merge these two worlds. Additionally, this position served various purposes.
We made the decision to involve him in our business for two reasons: firstly, to provide him with an additional source of income, and secondly, to expose him to the industry. Our plan was for him to go professional in about 10 to 12 years, and this opportunity allowed him to gain experience and establish a presence in the field. He was actively participating in the boxing community, not only as a talented amateur boxer but also learning the ropes in boxing security.
Frazer Clarke, as seen in the picture by Barrington Coombs/Getty Images for BOA
Clarke embarked on his security career in the period spanning 2009 to 2010, dedicating the majority of the following decade to this profession. Throughout this extensive timeframe, he actively participated in a multitude of significant events, both domestically and internationally, establishing himself as a renowned figure in the field well before gaining rightful acknowledgment for his exceptional combat skills.
Clarke, now an accomplished professional boxer with a flawless 8-0 record, finds himself on the verge of claiming the prestigious British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. The highly anticipated showdown is set to take place at the renowned O2 Arena, a venue where Clarke had once worked as a security personnel. Interestingly, his former colleagues from SAUK will be responsible for securing the arena during Clarke’s epic battle against the reigning champion, Fabio Wardley, scheduled for Sunday night.
Even prior to that, Clarke is constantly reminded of his past life as he gazes around. As we converse, he discovers himself encircled by comrades endeavoring to uphold a sense of structure at the pre-fight press conference, all clad in black shirts adorned with the SAUK emblem.
“Clifton (Mitchell) deserves my gratitude for the job,” Clarke, who is currently 32, expresses. “Thanks to him and Simon (Roberts), they witnessed a 17-year-old boy who had a passion for boxing but also engaged in some mischief during weekends. They granted me the chance to attend boxing events on weekends and labeled it as ‘work’.”
Clifton, in his heart, was aware that he was mentoring me during my apprenticeship. While others were instructed to focus on the crowd, my attention was always drawn towards the boxing ring. Those days were filled with immense joy and have shaped my familiarity with events like the upcoming one on Sunday. Whenever I encounter these individuals from SAUK, it feels like strolling amidst friends. I am well-versed in the rules and the various etiquettes to be followed.
Clifton Mitchell, a former professional boxer himself, is the driving force behind SAUK. He has a longstanding connection with Clarke and his family, especially his father, spanning more than four decades. Mitchell has been there to witness Frazer’s evolution from a baby to a young boy, a troubled youth, and ultimately a boxer. He played a crucial role in shaping Frazer into the protector he is today.
According to Mitchell, Frazer’s physical strength is just one aspect of his character. More importantly, his ability to communicate effectively and handle conflicts peacefully sets him apart. Mitchell believes this exemplifies control, a quality that many people lack. When faced with threats, Frazer has the choice to either react impulsively and regret it later, or remain composed and composed. This ability to maintain composure is evident in Frazer’s interactions with Clarke and Wardley, as there is no sign of aggression between them. Mitchell credits Frazer’s background as a security guard for shaping him into a well-rounded fighter. Dealing with various situations in that role has taught him self-control, which Mitchell considers to be crucial.
Roberts concurs with Mitchell’s observation, as he too witnessed Clarke’s transformation from a boy to a man. Having spent a significant portion of his own youth indulging in revelry alongside Clarke, Roberts understands the potential path he might have taken without the invaluable lessons of self-restraint and dedication acquired through hard work and sports.
Roberts asserts that he is thoroughly impressed with him, and proceeds to explain why. Despite his imposing stature, Frazer possesses a remarkable ability to handle security situations, prioritizing communication before reaching the irreversible point. Moreover, Frazer’s affable nature is particularly noteworthy, as he effortlessly engages with individuals from all walks of life.
Frazer Clarke is an invaluable asset to any security team worldwide. It’s an undeniable fact. His contribution extends beyond his physical prowess; his exceptional qualities encompass his character. He is genuinely kind-hearted, one of the finest individuals I have ever known. Not only is he incredibly strong, but his striking power is unparalleled, comparable to that of a charging bull.
Frazer Clarke’s role as a security guard is difficult to envision in many ways. He demonstrates exceptional speaking abilities, particularly when discussing controversial topics in boxing, such as his insightful analysis of Anthony Joshua’s emotional breakdown after losing to Oleksandr Usyk. Additionally, he possesses a warm and friendly smile that is typically associated with cuddly toys embraced by children. Despite his physical prowess and the potential harm he can inflict with his hands, being in his presence never instills fear or intimidation. This is precisely the skill he has acquired – the ability to protect without intimidating.
Clarke reflects, “In my journey, I believe I’ve acquired the skills of effective communication, which is undeniably advantageous. Additionally, I’ve picked up a few valuable lessons on how to conduct myself during fight week. As you can observe, I don’t arrive with a large entourage. I prefer to keep things simple and hassle-free. I don’t aspire to be a superstar or imitate one; I’m just an ordinary individual who treats everyone with respect, be it the security personnel, the staff, or the general public.”
Richard Pelham/Getty Images captured a photo of the Clarke smile.
Frazer Clarke is undoubtedly well-acquainted with the worth and challenges confronted by security guards during fight week. He has personally experienced their trials and tribulations, having engaged in similar battles against rival team protectors and rowdy fans during fight nights.
Roberts recalls a specific incident that stands out in his memory. It took place during a Prizefighter event at Wolverhampton Civic in 2012 and it was quite chaotic. A group of Wolverhampton football hooligans were present, creating a tense atmosphere. Around seven or eight of us ended up on the ground, while there were about 50 or 60 Wolverhampton fans. Miraculously, we were able to defend ourselves and put a stop to the situation. However, Frazer’s strength during that time was remarkable. He had to rely on his amateur boxing skills to handle the situation. John Wischhusen, who was part of Matchroom at the time, commented on how quickly the security personnel dealt with such a large number of people. Frazer, on his own, managed to handle at least 20 of them.
Today, Clarke reminisces about this story and bursts into laughter, causing his once intimidating face to appear even more approachable than when he is being serious. Surprisingly, this memory holds a special place in his heart.
“That was a mad one,” he says. “All the Wolves lads, the football lads, they kicked off big time. That was one of my first events and because I was young I was half wanting it to go off. Basically, it’s gone off – chairs and tables, the lot – and a lot of them were fighting against security. As a young lad, you’re just thinking, Great, I get to throw hands here and won’t get in trouble with the police because I’m doing security. It was good. It was fun. But ultimately as you grow up you realise it’s not fun, it’s dangerous. Eventually my days as a security guard became about looking after people and making sure they have a good time rather than getting in fist-fights with football hooligans.”
After a few years since his experience in Wolverhampton, Clarke encountered a completely different and unexpected challenge. On stage, he found himself in a situation resembling a poorly thought-out video game. His task was to fend off a group of fellow security guards who seemed eager to engage in a fist-fight. It was as if he had become the ultimate obstacle, standing alone on the stage, against the onslaught of 15 to 20 men. Their sole objective was to surpass him, “The Final Boss,” and gain access to the stage, all in pursuit of a self-esteem boost.
Roberts recollects the instances when we had numerous discussions with Carl’s (Froch) team and George’s (Groves) team regarding the notion of having only two security members on stage. However, George surprised us by arriving with approximately 20 of his personal bodyguards,” Roberts recounts. “Clearly, it was a strategic move to play with our minds, but all of them hurried towards the stage. Remarkably, Frazer Clarke single-handedly transformed into an unstoppable force, preventing at least 10 of George’s bodyguards from accessing the stage. It was truly a remarkable sight to behold.”
Clarke, filled with excitement from the memory, exclaims, “Oh my God! He had some serious tough guys with him, and Clifton informed me, ‘Only two people on stage.’ They attempted to bring about 15 people up there, but I stood my ground at the top of the stairs and declared, ‘Look, only two have gone past, no more are coming through.’ I was just a young guy in my early twenties, and naturally, I faced numerous individuals trying to attack me. My only option was to fight back. We had a minor altercation, nothing too extreme, but it definitely happened. Many people respected me for that. However, in the end, I was simply following orders.”
Respect is the key term here. In the world of boxing, the legend of Frazer Clarke began to spread rapidly following that incident. A reliable source who was once associated with Matchroom informed me, “Frazer was consistently professional, highly meticulous, and excelled at his work. On that day, at the top of the stairs, Frazer fearlessly confronted 20 security guards on his own. This act will forever remain etched in my mind as a true reflection of his character.”
Clarke’s reputation was rapidly rising not only in the realm of security but also as a skilled boxer. He foresaw a challenging decision looming on the horizon.
Roberts explains, “Around six or seven years ago, he ceased working in security due to receiving elite funding from GB. At that point, it was not feasible to balance both responsibilities. Participating in those shows required a significant commitment of time, sometimes even a whole week. It affected his ability to eat well and maintain his training regimen. Ultimately, it was a logical conclusion to stop working security, but it served an important purpose in his life.”
Clarke explains that he was part of the GB squad and had plans to participate in the Commonwealth Games. However, his coach, Rob McCracken, advised him to focus more on his training and rest during the weekends instead of attending shows. Clarke had a conversation with his brother, Clifton, who understood and supported his decision. Despite leaving his security job, Clarke admits that he still feels a sense of alertness and constantly scans the room for potential problems, even on occasions like the present event.
The room is being assessed by Clarke.
Put simply, working in security has made Clarke incredibly aware to the point where he borders on being paranoid, similar to retired gangsters who always choose a seat in a restaurant that faces away from the wall. He enjoys having a complete view of his surroundings, knowing who is entering and leaving, and understanding their motives. Above all, he has become a person who feels completely at ease in any situation and around any type of individual. Whether he is peacefully observing intense fights in large arenas and ensuring no trouble arises, or actively preparing to participate in those fights and intentionally causing disturbances, he is equally comfortable.
Mitchell states that Frazer has been AJ’s sparring partner and has gained experience by being present at major events. He has worked behind the scenes, participated in significant fights, and been ringside with AJ. Although some may view this as a major moment for Frazer, Mitchell emphasizes that going to the Olympics is an even greater achievement, which Frazer has already accomplished. Everything Frazer has done has prepared him for this moment, and Mitchell believes he is fully prepared. Frazer’s previous experiences have instilled confidence in him, and this is not his first time participating in a significant event.
Clarke states, “During that period in security, I had the opportunity to be in the presence of numerous world champions. I was fortunate enough to be around esteemed individuals such as Carl Froch, Anthony Joshua, Luke Campbell, and Khalid Yafai. Interacting with such talented individuals taught me valuable lessons, and now, attending such events has become second nature to me. It no longer poses a challenge.”
Doing the entire camp with Anthony Joshua prior to his bout against Wladimir Klitschko in 2017 was truly a remarkable experience for me. Initially mistaken for a mere security guard, it was incredibly rewarding when, at the conclusion of the fight, Joshua invited me into the ring and presented me with the belt, acknowledging my significant contribution by stating, “You belong here, for you have been instrumental in my success.”
Experience is highly valuable in boxing, just like in any aspect of life. It has once again become a topic of discussion leading up to Sunday’s fight between Clarke and Wardley. Arguments have been made that Clarke’s experience as an amateur surpasses Wardley’s experience as a professional. On the other hand, some argue that Clarke’s limited eight professional fights pale in comparison to Wardley’s 17 fights against slightly tougher opponents, giving the advantage to the man from Ipswich. Regardless of the truth, there is one undeniable advantage that Clarke holds over Wardley.
Roberts recalls how Frazer’s experience in working security prepared him for his own big fight. Roberts shares a memory of Conor Benn’s debut at the O2, where he witnessed Benn’s nervousness. Benn had asked Roberts to accompany him to the venue, and as they entered the O2, Roberts noticed a drastic change in Benn’s expression. It was evident that Benn had never encountered something of such magnitude before.
Frazer, however, made his debut during the undercard of the highly anticipated (Kell) Brook vs. (Amir) Khan fight. The arena was jam-packed, and he managed to sell around 500 to 1,000 tickets on his own. What impressed me the most was his calm demeanor; not a trace of nervousness could be seen. I believe this was due to his exposure to Sky (Sports) and numerous other major events throughout the years. He was well aware of what to anticipate.
Despite having only eight fights compared to Fabio’s 17, Frazer’s professional experience gained from his involvement in security surpasses people’s perceptions. The magnitude of these high-stakes fights can cause individuals to become immobilized. This match marks Fabio Wardley’s most significant fight on a grand stage, and the same applies to Frazer. However, Frazer’s exposure to and participation in far larger events gives him a comprehensive understanding of what it entails.
According to my contact at Matchroom, he believes that the individual in question, in addition to his current role, must have developed the skills to manage his emotions and handle challenging situations. He suggests that if there was an ideal apprenticeship to prepare someone for events like this, without necessarily being an amateur boxer, it would be that of a security guard. Being a security guard at similar events provides the best possible preparation for such occasions, and it seems that the individual has gained extensive experience in this regard.
After observing battles, stopping conflicts, and resolving quarrels in grand arenas, Frazer Clarke is just one step away from accomplishing his ultimate goal: emerging victorious in a professional fight held in a large arena.
