In front of a raucous 13,000-strong crowd at London’s iconic O2 Arena, Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke waged war in a clash that delivered on every ounce of its ‘Bad Blood’ billing—culminating in a dramatic split-decision draw that leaves the British heavyweight throne still up for grabs.

From the opening bell, it was a battle of pedigree versus power. Olympic medallist Clarke used his polished amateur tools to take early control, snapping out sharp jabs and landing crisp shots on the inside. But Wardley, the relentless latecomer to the sport, responded with grit and firepower, weathering a busted nose and swelling around the eye to produce a knockdown in the fifth that electrified the crowd.

The fight, a year in the making after a cancelled purse bid and simmering verbal exchanges, exploded in the middle rounds. Wardley, unbeaten in 17 prior outings with 16 knockouts, uncorked a brutal right hand that dropped Clarke and sent the Ipswich contingent into a frenzy. Yet Clarke, ever the professional, regained his composure and mounted a spirited comeback, showcasing endurance and a granite chin.

Drama continued in the seventh as Clarke was docked a point for a low blow. Wardley, entering deep waters for the first time in his career, looked ragged by the later stages, his breathing heavy and vision impaired. A doctor’s inspection in the tenth almost halted the contest, but the Suffolk slugger roared back with wild combinations, forcing Clarke to dig deeper than ever before.

In the championship rounds, both men fought like titles—and reputations—were on the line. Clarke rocked Wardley in the dying moments, staggering the champion with a thudding right, but the 29-year-old stayed upright, fists flying until the final bell.

When the dust settled, the scorecards painted a picture of parity: 114-113 Wardley, 115-112 Clarke, and a dead-even 113-113.

With both men still undefeated, and the crowd left thirsting for more, a rematch feels inevitable. Clarke called for it moments after the decision, and Wardley, with dreams of headlining Portman Road, hinted it’s firmly on the radar.

This wasn’t just a fight—it was a war, a statement, and a reminder that British heavyweight boxing is alive, brutal, and brilliantly balanced.