By In the aftermath of his thrilling draw with Frazer Clarke, Fabio Wardley remained coy about the prospects of an immediate rematch, asserting that the decision ultimately rests with him. Despite retaining his British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, Wardley refrained from committing to a rematch, emphasizing the toll such grueling encounters can take on him and his loved ones.
Reflecting on the possibility of a rematch, Wardley acknowledged the significance of the bout but hinted that it might not be imminent. “It doesn’t have to be immediate. It doesn’t have to be at all, necessarily,” Wardley asserted. “I still have my belts. I still move forward. Again the ball’s still in my court. It’s still my decision.”
However, Wardley remained open to the idea of a stadium fight, with Portman Road emerging as a potential venue. “Portman Road is always on the cards. It’s one the club want, it’s one I want. We did the O2. I think the next step from that is a stadium of some sort,” Wardley remarked, hinting at the possibility of a grand stage for their anticipated rematch.
Despite the contentious nature of the drawn result, Wardley refrained from dwelling on the outcome, displaying a commendable level of sportsmanship. “I’m not going to start bashing the refs or bashing the judges, that’s not my style. It was what it was. It was judged however it was judged,” Wardley stated, maintaining his dignity in defeat.
While the bitterness leading up to the fight was palpable, Wardley expressed newfound respect for Clarke, acknowledging his opponent’s resilience and determination. “I said a lot in the build-up about his heart and seeing whether it’s there and turning up on the night and how he reacts under the lights and look, he did his bit. He reacted well,” Wardley remarked, paying tribute to Clarke’s valor and tenacity.
As the prospect of a rematch looms large, promoter Ben Shalom expressed his eagerness to make it happen. “We’d love to do it straight away,” Shalom affirmed, highlighting the significance of their ongoing saga and the intrigue it has generated among fans.
With Wardley’s mentor Dillian Whyte expressing confidence in his protege’s performance, the conversation around a potential rematch is likely to gain momentum in the coming weeks. As Wardley takes time to recuperate and reflect, the anticipation for a sequel to their epic showdown continues to build, promising another chapter in their enthralling rivalry.
