Frazer Clarke v Mariusz Wach

Frazer Clarke is set to face former world title challenger Mariusz Wach in a heavyweight clash at London's York Hall on June 16, live on Sky Sports.

Wach (36-9) has faced some of the division's biggest names including Wladimir Klitschko, Alexander Povetkin, Hughie Fury, and Dillian Whyte and will take on Clarke (6-0) in just his seventh professional outing.

Both Clarke and Wach are former Olympians - Clarke claiming a bronze medal for Great Britain at the 2020 Games and Wach representing Poland in the 2004.

“I’m glad that we’re finally able to announce this fight and let people see the kind of challenges I’m looking for," Clarke said.

"Mariusz Wach is a very tough opponent, his record speaks for itself - look at the names he’s been in there with and the kind of fights he’s had with them. So I hope it’s clear to everyone now that Frazer Clarke isn’t afraid of anyone.

“I’m in this game to be world champion and the pathway has always been carefully planned. A lot has been said about me lately but people don’t know what goes on behind the scenes.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...b5b6d80a&ei=66

good fight for his 7th fight in.

Too much for him.

Clarke, like Joyce, is older so has to accelerate his professional career. Frazer should beat Wach.

Instead of taking on Wardley this summer, the focus for Clarke is a 10-rounder with Wach at York Hall but he is ready to shut out the external talk to deliver the seventh win of his professional career.

Clarke told the PA news agency: “It has made me battle-hardened. I have come good out of it. I have come good out of all these situations.

“All these situations I have been in with boxing, I have always come back and done well. That will be the same for this one.

“I ain’t got nothing to prove to no one. I just need to win and I’m sure I’ll do that.”

Clarke (6-0, 5KOs) is hopeful a bout with Wardley will take place later in 2023 despite the social-media storm that occurred last month.

Mentally, it was really difficult but I have come through the other side of it. I have come through with a fight lined up, something to get my teeth into and concentrate on so very fortunate to be able to do that.

After Clarke’s team pulled him out, having initially lobbied the British Boxing Board of Control (BBCofC) to become mandatory for Wardley’s British title, the Tokyo 2020 bronze-medallist felt the brunt of the criticism that followed.

“I would hope so,” Clarke replied when quizzed if a fight with Wardley can still go ahead this year.

“That whole saga, it was frustrating and a difficult 10 days for me. I can’t lie. It was difficult.

“Mentally, it was really difficult but I have come through the other side of it. I have come through with a fight lined up, something to get my teeth into and concentrate on so very fortunate to be able to do that.

“It wasn’t nice, wasn’t pretty. A bit of a f*** up from our side, me and my team, so we have held our hands up and now get back on the bus.”

Polish heavyweight Wach (37-9, 20KOs) is the latest hurdle for Clarke to clear on his path to reach the top.

Wach went the distance with Wladimir Klitschko in 2012 and only lost on points to Dillian Whyte four years ago to show the type of pedigree that Clarke will do battle with this week.

He added: “He has seen bigger and better fighters than me.

“This is someone who isn’t going to fall over. I don’t think he has come here just to get paid.

“Obviously he has (got paid) but I don’t think he has come to fall over. These kind of opponents, they are not a walkover. I don’t want anyone to think I will walk through him.

“He is a good fighter, a solid man and has a good engine and chin on him, so he can pose threats but looking forward to it.”

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...ad48bf49&ei=21

Clarke starting well against Wach so far.

Clarke making this harder than it should be. Getting very ugly to watch as he smoothers his good work.

Clarke goes the full ten rounds winning every round. Good experience for him but not impressive.