Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Latest fight reaction, results and official scorecards after epic heavyweight battle

Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke battled to a hard-fought draw after delivering an incredible fight for the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles.

Wardley defended his titles but suffered immense damage after 12 brutal rounds, including what appeared to be a broken nose, which left blood streaming down his face for the majority of the fight.

A heavy right hand to Clarke in the fifth eventually saw the former Olympian hit the canvas, and he was deducted a point in the seventh round to leave him with a mountain to climb.

But Clarke fought back and salvaged a draw, with one judge awarding him the fight outright 115-112, whileWardley was favoured 114-113 on another. But a third judge was unable to split the fighters with his 113-113 card ensuring a draw.

Re-live updates and see all results from Wardley vs Clarke and the undercard fights, below.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE

• Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke produce epic fight – one year in the making

• Viddal Riley defends English cruiserweight title over Mikael Lawal via unanimous decision

• Ben Whittaker forced to settle for points victory over tough Leon Willings

• Florian Marku vs Chris Kongo serves as chief support in grudge match

• Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke battle to bloody draw in epic heavyweight fight

Wardley vs Clarke: Full fight report

23:28 , Alex Pattle

The wait for this fight endured for 12 months, and the bout itself endured for all 12 rounds. Fabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke, a fight billed as “Bad Blood”, ended with plenty spilt – much of it splattered on the referee’s shirt, most of it leaking from Wardley’s malformed nose, which caused him major difficulties and might just have cost him victory.

After 36 minutes of attritional brutality, which for these heavyweights might have felt even longer than the year-long delay to this fight, Wardley and Clarke failed to settle their feud, battling to a draw. In a scintillating main event at London’s O2 Arena, Wardley retained his British and Commonwealth titles, as the judges scored the bout 114-113, 112-115, 113-113.

Although a collective drone of disappointment greeted the result, it felt an appropriate one, with neither boxer deserving to lose his unbeaten record. While Wardley dropped Clarke somewhere amid the violence, and while Clarke was docked a point for a low blow, the latter dealt out his fair share of damage, too.

Read our full report from the O2 Arena, where Wardley and Clarke produced an instant classic:

Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke fight to stalemate in brutal and brilliant battle

Wardley vs Clarke

00:01 , Alex Pattle

Wardley vs Clarke

22:57 , Jack Rathborn

Wardley vs Clarke

22:45 , Jack Rathborn

Wardley and Clarke battle to split draw (114-113 to Wardley, 115-112 to Clarke, 113-113)

Let’s do it all over again! Gutting for both men that there is no winner there, but after a lengthy recovery, surely they do this once more to settle the score.

Wardley vs Clarke

22:43 , Jack Rathborn

What a fight! That is one of the most brutal heavyweight fights you will ever see, 12 rounds of destruction.

How did Wardley stay in it with the state of his nose?

Wardley vs Clarke

22:41 , Jack Rathborn

Round twelve

The Sky Sports viewers have Wardley winning by one point.

Wardley batters Clarke’s body, both men have taken those shots well all night.

Clarke then digs one in low, then attempts to find the uppercut. Only 90 seconds remain, this round could decide this memorable contest.

Clarke finally finds a home for the uppercut. The round is still up for grabs, 30 seconds...

Clarke lands big! How does Wardley stay up? Incredible drama. It looked strong enough to close the show.

An uppercut, Wardley is hanging on by a thread, but comes back strong in the final five seconds, the combination lands and the bell rings. Amazing!

Wardley vs Clarke

22:37 , Jack Rathborn

Round eleven

This is up for grabs, two rounds remaining.

Wardley with a couple of backhanders to Clarke, Gray warns him.

The referee’s white show is splattered with blood.

Wardley with a smart jab, but he doesn’t have the energy to back it up with a combination. This is a brutal heavyweight contest. A war at times, somehow both men dig deep and unload again and again.

This one is a tight round and hard to call, both men shattered. Clarke weathers the storm after a shower of punches land at the end of the round. That could nick it for Wardley!

Wardley vs Clarke

22:29 , Jack Rathborn

Round ten

The viewers’ card on Sky Sports has this even. Clarke’s energy is higher, he storms out of his corner.

Wardley is now staggering around, this is wild stuff. All on instinct. Now Steve Gray will force the doctor to examine Wardley’s nose, could this be stopped?

Out of nowhere, Wardley with a big right, letting his hands go, stunning scenes here. Clarke spits the gumshield out. Incredible drama.

A second timeout, now one minute remaining. This is anybody’s fight. Wardley pinned to the ropes and Clarke whipping in those hooks and a counter right lands clean and somehow Wardley stays on his feet. An epic heavyweight battle!

Wardley vs Clarke

22:25 , Jack Rathborn

Round nine

Wardley is out quickly and throws the big right hand! He looked tired in the last round, is Clarke about to come on strong and take over? Remember, Wardley has never been this far before.

Clarke has time here, but Wardley looks vulnerable, will he pounce?

The nose is in a horrendous state, Wardley can’t go on much longer with it like that, surely.

Wardley is brave though, digging in and gritting his teeth. But the momentum has changed. Even with two points to make up from the knockdown and deduction, Clarke could make this very tight down the stretch.

Wardley vs Clarke

22:23 , Jack Rathborn

Round eight

Clarke was warned three times, so that’s why the point came off. It was a nothing shot, really, on the ropes, clearly low. Was that really worth it?

Wardley blocking shots with his shoulders, but Clarke is putting plenty behind them, they could have an attritional effect.

Wardley is the more efficient puncher, wasting less energy. But suddenly Clarke lands a big right from downtown!

But Wardley’s response is superb, letting his hands go, whipping those shots in and Clarke staggers. But Wardley’s nose is in a right mess, is he tired and unloading the tank due to difficulty breathing?

Wardley vs Clarke

22:19 , Jack Rathborn

Round seven

Both men look tired now, Clarke is still firing those powerful right hands. But one lands lower and Wardley complains, a timeout given by Steve Gray in the middle of the ring. A point is deducted!

A crushing blow for Clarke, with the knockdown, too, he’s behind on the cards now surely.

The movement from Wardley at the waist is making it tough for Clarke to land. A big round for Wardley given the point deduction.

Wardley vs Clarke

22:14 , Jack Rathborn

Round six

Has Clarke’s head cleared? Wardley senses blood, the jab now pushed out with more purpose.

Wardley’s hand speed is superb for a heavyweight, when you’re hurt, it’s highly dangerous given the volume of shots that come your way.

A long right from Wardley lands! Clarke spits out his gumshield. An exhausting pace here.

Wardley vs Clarke

22:11 , Jack Rathborn

Round five

Now the jabs from Wardley start to land, but the big right hand is still his favourite, forcing Clarke to retreat.

Clarke now taking a close look, dipping at the hips and jabbing Wardley.

Wardley’s hand speed is impressive. A barrage of punches almost topples Clarke, but he staggers out of the corner.

DOWN GOES CLARKE!

The big right started it, but Wardley jumped on Clarke straight away, following him around the ring, overwhelming him and down he went. What a moment!

Wardley vs Clarke

22:08 , Jack Rathborn

Round four

Big right hands from Clarke, he loads up with four of them. Momentum for the Olympic bronze medallist now.

Explosive from Wardley and he goes to the body after a big right lands. But Clarke responds with an uppercut.

Solid right hands from Clarke in the final few seconds, which could nick him the round.

Wardley vs Clarke

22:01 , Jack Rathborn

Round three

That was a brilliant final minute in the second, Wardley now back to the jab to start the third, blood trickling down his nose.

Both men tied up momentarily, the pace of the second catching up with them perhaps.

Clarke with some clubbing shots to the torso of Wardley. But Wardley explodes into life, long right hands leave Clarke scrambling.

And now Clarke with a big right from far out. Some decent body shots to end the round too. The pace is hot!

Wardley vs Clarke

21:57 , Jack Rathborn

Round two

Aggression from Wardley early on, unloading shots with Clarke stuck in the corner.

Huge shot from Wardley to end the round, a big right and Clarke is wobbling. Drama late in the second!

Then a big uppercut from Clarke, this one has caught fire!

Clarke was definitely hurt there, but his response was brilliant, and Wardley’s nose looks busted already.

Wardley vs Clarke

21:53 , Jack Rathborn

Round one

Here we go!

Clarke finds a home for his right hand over the top, he’s started well. And a long jab, too. Wardley is slightly smaller, but both men pack that knockout power. The crowd seems to be pro-Wardley, too.

Wardley with a looping right finally lands. But this is a Clarke round, the sharper fighter until the closing moments.

Wardley vs Clarke

21:46 , Jack Rathborn

Now it’s Wardley’s turn... It’s Roy Jones Jr’s ‘Can't Be Touched’. Wardley is wearing an Ipswich Town robe, with a Tractor Boys flag behind him.

Groves states how he’s “pumped” for this fight. The atmosphere is electric. We’re moments away.

Wardley vs Clarke

21:44 , Jack Rathborn

Here comes Frazer Clarke! He walks out to Coldplay’s ‘A Sky Full of Stars’.

Then it’s 50 Cent’s ‘Many Men (Wish Death)’.

Remember, the heavyweights will battle for the British, Commonwealth and WBO European heavyweight titles.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Adam Azim to face Harlem Eubank

21:35 , Jack Rathborn

Adam Azim will face Harlem Eubank in the near future.

Barry McGuigan and Chris Eubank have both spoken about their desire to make the fight.

And the fighters concur, but Harlem Eubank is adamant Azim “doesn’t want the fight” because his team decides “everything”. An intriguing fight to look forward to.

Now it’s the main event. Get ready for some heavy hitting from the heavyweights: Wardley v Clarke.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Florian Marku vs Chris Kongo

21:30 , Jack Rathborn

“I believed and trusted coming in here. Last year, I took an L, but that didn’t stop me keep working and working,” says Chris Kongo.

“I promised myself, once I win this, I’m going straight back in the gym and going to work, staying disciplined inside and outside the gym.

“I felt his power, and I thought, this ain’t stopping me. Remember, I had a year out of the ring. It was hard for me. I stayed in the gym, and kept working. That’s the main thing. I’m proud of myself for doing that.”

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Florian Marku vs Chris Kongo

21:29 , Jack Rathborn

Chris Kongo def. Florian Marku via unanimous decision (96-94, 96-93, 98-92)

A big win for Kongo, he picks up the IBO Inter-Continental Welter and moves to 15-2

“That’s what he needed, he timed it perfectly, says Nelson on Sky Sports. “Boxing discipline got him through, excellent.”

George Groves adds: “It was a brilliant performance from Kongo, who hurt Marku. Kongo was picking out the shots.”

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Florian Marku vs Chris Kongo

21:23 , Jack Rathborn

Round ten

Clarke is backstage pummelling the pads, the heavyweight main event is almost here.

Final round, can Marku deliver a dramatic knockout to reverse the momentum drastically?

When the fighters get in close, Kongo is able to tag Marku to the body. The left uppercut, a reverse one-two, and Kongo is dazzling out in that ring. Magic.

Another left uppercut down the middle and off the ropes. His fitness and conditioning has been spot on, too.

A comfortable win in the end, it would seem. We’ve given Marku a couple of rounds at most. We go to the scorecards.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Florian Marku vs Chris Kongo

21:19 , Jack Rathborn

Round nine

Marku must go for the knockout! Kongo doesn’t look too tired, he’s nearly there.

A wild left hand, which didn’t land particularly clean. Kongo rolls off the ropes and out of trouble.

A big right hand from Kongo, he sat down on the shot and a grin spreads across his face. Another round in the bank, surely.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Florian Marku vs Chris Kongo

21:12 , Jack Rathborn

Round eight

Two jabs land in Marku’s face, with the Albanian’s corner delivering a rocket in the corner between rounds there.

Howard Foster is giving Marku a final warning, though, he says: “this has got to stop.” He’s warned of disqualification, too. Wow. Marku treading a fine line.

This is an outstanding performance from Kongo, perhaps a career-best display. He must finish it off in the final couple of rounds, but it’s all in his favour.

Marku is desperate, a punch to the back of the head, a point off. Foster has had enough, “do you understand?” One more and he’ll be out of there.

Kongo letting the hands go, he could go through the gears here and force the stoppage. There’s a fine left from Marku, suddenly, it landed high on the head of Kongo, but he survives. A big round for ‘2Slick’.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Florian Marku vs Chris Kongo

21:10 , Jack Rathborn

Round seven

A busy start from Kongo, a stiff jab to Marku’s head and now the right hands start to flow behind the jab. Impressive.

Some sneaky body work catches Marku too, time starting to run out for the Albanian. Momentum is all with Kongo.

Real confidence and letting the shots go now, Kongo is on top. And right there, 15 seconds to go, a fantastic uppercut from Kongo. He slipped it through beautifully, before rolling away. Tidy boxing.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Florian Marku vs Chris Kongo

21:06 , Jack Rathborn

Round six

The viewers’ verdict has it 3-2 to Kongo so far, winning the last three rounds.

Kongo jabbing nicely and forced to smother Marku at times, but a counter right hook lands.

Matthew Macklin is enjoying Kongo’s variety, too, but Marku suddenly traps him in the corner, but nothing of substance is landing. The defence from Kongo is mostly blocking the power shots of Marku.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Florian Marku vs Chris Kongo

21:02 , Jack Rathborn

Round five

Kongo still on top and now jabbing Marku’s body, who stands there and appeals to his rival to engage more.

But Kongo is having too much joy moving, so that’s unlikely.

A right hand catches Marku coming in, this is great work, but how much has come out the tank for Kongo? He has built up a decent lead, you’d think, maybe 49-46?

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Florian Marku vs Chris Kongo

20:59 , Jack Rathborn

Round four

Marku now swinging and missing with Kongo working well off the ropes.

Really quick hands, too, a four-punch combination in front of Marku, Kongo’s rhythm is smooth.

Marku pushing the fight, but surely the judges will prefer the cleaner work of Kongo so far.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Florian Marku vs Chris Kongo

20:54 , Jack Rathborn

Round three

Marku backs Kongo up to the ropes, but the Londoner bounces out of trouble.

Howard Foster speaking to Kongo about holding, which has proven effective in frustrating Marku so far.

Kongo popping the jab upstairs and downstairs, his speed is proving tricky to combat for Marku.

He’ll bank that round and might just have a slender lead on our unofficial scorecard.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Florian Marku vs Chris Kongo

20:50 , Jack Rathborn

Round two

Marku throws the jab now and when the pair come together, there’s an uppercut. But Kongo has marked up the left eye of Marku already.

Kongo is frustrating Marku and moving nicely, but his eye is also damaged, it seems.

Good right hand from Marku in the final 40 seconds of the round. This one is heating up now and the second is tougher to score.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Florian Marku vs Chris Kongo

20:43 , Jack Rathborn

Round one

Some real needle in the build-up here, yet both men touch gloves, which is nice to see.

Huge cheers for Marku, whistles around the arena, at least a few thousand for ‘The Albanian King’.

Kongo circling on the outside, Marku ready to load up and get over that long, languid jab from his opponent.

A nice left to the body of Kongo, Marku shuffles in and starts to lead with the left hook.

A tasty opening stanza, Marku shades it for us.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Florian Marku vs Chris Kongo

20:37 , Jack Rathborn

Here comes Chris Kongo, a must-win fight for the Bermondsey man after defeat to Ekow Essuman.

Now Florian Marku walks to the ring, his Albanian fans are loud inside the arena.

Get ready, this should be a cracker!

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Ben Whittaker vs Leon Willings

20:32 , Jack Rathborn

“That was the best thing that could of happened to Ben,” says Johnny Nelson on Sky Sports after a points victory.

“He needs eight rounds where he has to work. He made easy work of it, but he couldn’t get rid of him.

“It prepares you for the bigger fights ahead.”

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Ben Whittaker vs Leon Willings

20:26 , Alex Pattle

Ben Whittaker def. Leon Willings via decision (78-73)

Whittaker stays unbeaten! A good effort from Willings, and far from Whittaker’s best performance, but the “Surgeon” will still gain some fans tonight.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Ben Whittaker vs Leon Willings

20:23 , Alex Pattle

Round eight

Final round! Willings presses forward. He’s done himself proud, although a win will elude him here – unless he can find a knockout blow.

Both men land hard right hands simultaneously, after a spell of jabbing from both boxers.

Lovely left hook by Willings, who has Whittaker trapped in the corner.

A good end to the fight for Willings.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Ben Whittaker vs Leon Willings

20:21 , Alex Pattle

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Ben Whittaker vs Leon Willings

20:20 , Alex Pattle

Round seven

Penultimate round. Whittaker corners Willings, whose corner urges him to get away from the ropes again.

Nice one-two by Whittaker, then a hard left hook. He corners Willings and turns up the pressure. Thudding shots here.

A good right hook lands for Willings, then more shots in a frenzied exchange, but Willings misses wildly and slips to the mat. Whittaker just looks out into the crowd and laughs. Willings does as well, to be fair.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Ben Whittaker vs Leon Willings

20:16 , Alex Pattle

Round six

Whittaker presses forward and unloads a series of headshots on Willings.

Beyond that, it’s a quieter round.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Ben Whittaker vs Leon Willings

20:12 , Alex Pattle

Round five

Into the second half of this eight-round bout. Whittaker jabs to the body. Willings snaps a cross to the head.

Whittaker backs up Willings, whose corner urges him to get off the ropes. Willings takes his time doing so, eating a few shots before escaping.

Whittaker soon backs him up on the other side of the ring and lands a few more punishing shots.

Two powerful left hooks to the head of Whittaker, but he just eats them! Another lands, and Whittaker feigns some disorientation.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Ben Whittaker vs Leon Willings

20:08 , Alex Pattle

Round four

Great right cross from Willings! Whittaker pretends to be wobbled, but he is tagged a few more times after that...

Whittaker looks to slow the pace, jabbing Willings to the body. Stern jab upstairs now.

Lovely step-in left hook by Willings! Clean right cross by Whittaker! Willings really loads up with an overhand right, but Whittaker sidesteps it.

Perfect counter cross by Whittaker, now another. Willings started the round really well, but Whittaker finishes on top.

Whittaker playfully pops Willings again after the bell, and the referee seems to warn him for that...

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Ben Whittaker vs Leon Willings

20:04 , Alex Pattle

Round three

Whittaker backs up Willings and throws a few hard hooks to the body, before switching targets and battering his opponent to the head.

Some more showboating by Whittaker, but he’s caught with an uppercut. Clean right cross by Whittaker in response, then a hammer of a right hook to the body.

Another clean cross by Whittaker, who is enjoying himself in there.

Willings with a hard right cross then a stiff jab. Whittaker tells Willings’s corner to be quiet, eliciting laughs from the crowd.

Some more dancing from Whittaker, but he is getting caught occasionally when he does that.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Ben Whittaker vs Leon Willings

20:00 , Alex Pattle

Round two

Picture-perfect one-two by Willings! It snaps back Whittaker’s head, drawing an “ooo” from the crowd, and even Whittaker pauses to acknowledge the combination.

A good pair of uppercuts by Willings now; each shot is a lead uppercut, with Willings switching stances as he steps in.

Whittaker comes back, though, landing three clean shots upstairs – left, right, left.

Whittaker has Willings backed up to the ropes and is pouring on shots. He withdraws for a moment, then re-engages with a series of jabs.

Nice step-in jab by Willings! He’s having his moments... Good head movement by him, too, as Whittaker fails to land with a few different entries.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Ben Whittaker vs Leon Willings

19:56 , Alex Pattle

Round one

Both men stand orthodox. Whittaker presses forward early and lands a jab. And two more, these ones aimed at the body.

More body jabs by Whittaker. Willings’s abs are already red. A curled right hook to Willings’s body now, as Whittaker begins an onslaught with his opponent in the corner.

Whittaker backs off, but he steps back in and drops Willings to a knee with a fine combination, with a hybrid left hook-uppercut catching out Willings!

A one-two lands now. Whittaker with his first sign of showboating, hanging his head out in front of his opponent.

Hard right cross to the body by Whittaker, then a left hook, now a right cross upstairs.

Great first round for Whittaker. Lovely head movement as Willings retaliates, then some dancing just before the bell sounds.

Whittaker dances all the way back to his stool.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Ben Whittaker vs Leon Willings

19:49 , Alex Pattle

If you had any doubt about Whittaker’s star power, almost everyone on the floor level at the O2 is standing and filming as he emerges for his ring walk.

He’s accompanied by members of the dance group Diversity, and a fair bit of pyro...

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Ben Whittaker vs Leon Willings

19:48 , Alex Pattle

Next up, Ben Whittaker vs Leon Willings at light-heavyweight!

On the undercard of Joshua Buatsi’s win against Dan Azeez in February, Whittaker went viral for his showboating and slick punching in his victory over Khalid Graidia.

Last year, The Independent spoke to the burgeoning, unbeaten Briton about his Olympic silver medal, his fighting style, and his career in general.

Full interview:

Ben Whittaker on his life-changing moment: ‘I was bleeding and crying’

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Viddal Riley vs Mikael Lawal

19:39 , Alex Pattle

Viddal Riley def. Mikael Lawal via unanimous decision (98-92, 99-91, 99-91)

A comfortable title defence for Riley, who stays unbeaten and keeps his English cruiserweight title.

Whille Riley is doing his post-fight interview at ringside, Isaac Chamberlain comes over and starts trading barbs with Riley, before Chev Clarke appears.

All of a sudden, it kicks off! The interview is halted, and security step in.

Riley is eyeing a shot at Chamberlain’s British title, but Chamberlain has a mandatory defence against Clarke on the horizon.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Viddal Riley vs Mikael Lawal

19:30 , Alex Pattle

Round 10

Final round! Lawal is stalking Riley, searching for the finish that he needs.

Riley stays light on his feet, landing a couple of nice counter left hooks.

Right overhand to the head of Lawal, then a left hook to the body, then Riley shoves him away.

Riley makes it safely to the final bell.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Viddal Riley vs Mikael Lawal

19:26 , Alex Pattle

Round nine

Penultimate round. Lawal surely needs a finish. He eats a good right hook.

Riley parries a jab and flicks out a couple of his own. Lawal, again, can only find the arm of the champion with a right cross. And again.

Now it’s Riley coming forward, and he bowls a right overhand at Lawal with a thud. Quickly, Lawal retakes the centre of the ring.

Riley slips a cross attempt by Lawal, to the challenger’s frustration.

A fun exchange ensues to end the round.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Viddal Riley vs Mikael Lawal

19:22 , Alex Pattle

Round eight

Nice counter right cross by Riley, stinging Lawal. Now a good jab by the champion, while Lawal mistimes a winging overhand right.

Lawal with a cross onto the arm of Riley, as the champion skips away. Lawal ducks and is hit with a cross to the top of his head.

The cruiserweights tie up, and Riley just about lands a left hook in close. They separate, and Riley peppers Lawal with a combination upstairs.

Right hook to the body of Lawal now, then a jab up top. Again Riley goes to the body, and again.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Viddal Riley vs Mikael Lawal

19:18 , Alex Pattle

Round seven

Four rounds left, including this one. Lawal steps in with a right cross to the body. Nice shot.

Quickfire one-two upstairs by Riley. Now a clipping jab that jolts Lawal’s head to the side.

Lawal tries to increase the intensity, but Riley responds in kind and lands some solid counter strikes.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Viddal Riley vs Mikael Lawal

19:14 , Alex Pattle

Round six

There’s a coming-together against the ropes, and the sound of a thudding body shot – but the referee obscured our view slightly there, making it hard to know who landed it.

Lawal steps in with a wild overhand right and misses, and Riley circles out; now Lawal is cornered, and the champion peppers him with shots.

That briefly gets the crowd going.

Lawal escapes and gets right back to marching forward, with Riley attacking the body in a bid to deter his challenger.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Viddal Riley vs Mikael Lawal

19:10 , Alex Pattle

Round five

A scrappy start to this round, as a messy exchange ends with Riley throwing Lawal off balance and onto the ropes.

Riley steps in with a mean right cross. Lawal continues to chase the champion, jabbing to the body now.

Lovely counter right cross by Riley on the move. Lawal just can’t pin him down. He’s chasing Riley rather than cutting off the ring.

Riley with a decent left hook to the body.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Viddal Riley vs Mikael Lawal

19:06 , Alex Pattle

Round four

A clubbing left hook just about connects for Riley as he circles to his left.

Good jab work by the champion now, then another left hook – this time while moving backwards.

Riley has been very mobile throughout this fight, and he’s still light on his feet here.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Viddal Riley vs Mikael Lawal

19:02 , Alex Pattle

Round three

Simultaneous jabs land for both men. Riley keeps going to the well with his jab, especially.

Lawal jabs to the body. He’s chasing Riley somewhat.

Riley with a one-two, with the right cross just about landing. He circles to his left and curves a right hand just wide of Lawal’s chin, hitting the challenger’s shoulder instead.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Viddal Riley vs Mikael Lawal

18:58 , Alex Pattle

Round two

The atmosphere has dropped off noticeably in the arena. A slow start to this round doesn’t help, but even a good right hand by Riley fails to get the crowd going.

The champion circles away as Lawal comes forward. Counter right hook by Riley now, which gets through Lawal’s guard.

Lawal sticks a jab on Riley’s chest. A left hook just misses for Riley, but his follow-up right cross lands.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Viddal Riley vs Mikael Lawal

18:54 , Alex Pattle

Round one

Both men stand orthodox. Lawal applying some measured pressure early on.

Riley flicks out a trio of range-finding jabs, then just overshoots with a stiffer effort.

Nice head movement by Lawal then a right cross to the body. Lawal lurches in, and Riley’s counter left hook is just off target. Riley grabs Lawal while he’s there, and the challenger almost stumbles to his knees.

The cruiserweights separate. Again Lawal goes to the body. Some decent jab work by the challenger.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Viddal Riley vs Mikael Lawal

18:46 , Alex Pattle

Viddal Riley, 26, and Mikael Lawal, 28, are making their ring walks.

Lawal (17-1, 11 KOs) is out first, followed by the unbeaten Riley (10-0, 6 KOs).

Ten three-minute rounds are scheduled here, with Riley’s English cruiserweight title on the line.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Kody ‘Big Mo’ Mommaerts – ring announcer

18:40 , Alex Pattle

Tonight’s ring announcer is Kody “Big Mo” Mommaerts, the youngest MC at the top end of boxing!

With his captivating voice and smart look, Mommaerts usually stands out to fans watching Boxxer shows.

Watch The Independent’s recent interview with the American, 28, here:

Kody ‘Big Mo’ Mommaerts on life as ringmaster inside the combat sports arena

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Callum Simpson vs Dulla Mbabe

18:30 , Alex Pattle

Round four

Again Simpson gets behind his jab, tripling it up while pressing forward.

Right cross, left hook for Simpson, now a left uppercut that freezes Mbabe! And a follow-up right hand to put him down!!

The referee is counting... Mbabe is sat on his backside, he’s never beating this count...

It’s over!!

Callum Simpson def. Dulla Mbabe via fourth-round KO (1:10)

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Callum Simpson vs Dulla Mbabe

18:28 , Alex Pattle

Round three

Decent jabs by Simpson early in this round. Now a stern left hook. He’s turning the screw, it seems.

Mbabe is put off balance by a hard right hand! But he does well to hold Simpson and buy some time to recover...

The boxers separate and Mbabe is still on unsteady legs. Simpson is trying to overwhelm his opponent with volume and speed.

Uppercut and hook by Simpson with Mbabe backed up to the ropes.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Callum Simpson vs Dulla Mbabe

18:23 , Alex Pattle

Round two

Simpson gets right after Mbabe, backing him up to the ropes and pouring on shots. Mbabe does well to stay composed and fire back with a series of hooks.

Mbabe smartly works the body of Simpson, who fires back with a chopping right cross at close range. An uppercut lands for Mbabe, a hook for Simpson.

An uppercut by Simpson now! One of his best punches to this point.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Callum Simpson vs Dulla Mbabe

18:19 , Alex Pattle

Round one

A segment of the O2 crowd makes itself heard, singing about “walking in a Simpson wonderland”.

Both fighters stand orthodox. Simpson sneaks a right cross through Mbabe’s guard, then another.

Mbabe tries to tie up Simpson, who doesn’t let him. Grazing uppercut by the Englishman. Simpson with a right hook to the body, as Mbabe lands a simultaneous left hook to the head.

Popping counter left hook by Simpson, as Mbabe overshoots with a wild right hook. Now Simpson throws a pair of hooks to the body.

Now there’s a “Yorkshire” chant. Mbabe with an uppercut and a hook in close. Simpson retaliates with a fine flurry, backing Mbabe into the corner, and the crowd is loving this...

Simpson with a decent right hook, just before the bell.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Callum Simpson vs Dulla Mbabe

18:13 , Alex Pattle

Mbabe is out first, followed by Simpson, who gets a fine reception in London.

Tanzania’s Mbabe is 34-13-1 (29 KOs) as a pro, while Yorkshire boxer Simpson is 13-0 (9 KOs).

Ten three-minute rounds are scheduled here.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Callum Simpson vs Dulla Mbabe

17:38 , Alex Pattle

The main card is due to begin shortly, with a super-middleweight bout between Callum Simpson and Dulla Mbabe getting us started.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Alen Babic vs Steve Robinson

17:28 , Alex Pattle

Round six

Robinson’s corner didn’t save him, but the referee has! A brutal flurry of clean shots from Babic early in this round, and the official has seen enough.

Good call, even if one of Robinson’s teammates is incensed at ringside.

Alen Babic def. Steve Robinson via sixth-round TKO (0:54)

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Alen Babic vs Steve Robinson

17:25 , Alex Pattle

Round five

Babic starts the round by backing up Robinson well with jabs. The Croatian overshoots an overhand right; he really loaded up on that one.

Harsh left hook to the body of Robinson now, and a clean one to the head! Robinson has one of the most resilient chins I’ve seen in a while...

Two overhand rights hurt Robinson, and a left hook! The Briton’s right eye is closing up, and his head is jolting back with each of these punches...

Robinson’s corner might want to think about pulling him from this fight. He’s losing every round and is absorbing so much damage. Fair play to him for continuing to throw back, but the juice doesn’t seem worth the squeeze.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Alen Babic vs Steve Robinson

17:20 , Alex Pattle

Round four

Babic comes steaming in with an overhand right before adding a left hook.

Robinson looks to get behind his jab and keep Babic at range, but there’s not much on these jabs. He lands a left hook, and his corner urges him to find “one big punch”.

But he’s in trouble again now, backed up to the ropes and eating hard shots. Somehow, Robinson survives once more and escapes!

Babic keeps marching forward, but he’s breathing heavily. Robinson lands a laboured one-two.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Alen Babic vs Steve Robinson

17:16 , Alex Pattle

Round three

Robinson is quickly put on the back foot again. Good work from both men at close range, in the clinch. Hooks and uppercuts are landing. “Keep working, lads,” instructs the referee.

The pair separate, and Babic lands a long overhand right. Robinson comes back with a right hook. Another left hook lands for Babic, and Robinson replies with a few of his own – though they’re lacking the power of his opponent’s.

Left hook and right uppercut by Babic. How is Robinson taking these blows? And how is he still throwing back?

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Alen Babic vs Steve Robinson

17:14 , Mike Jones

Round two

A rapid combo from Babic sees him land a couple of powerful lefts from close range but Robinson takes the hits and shakes them off.

Two left hooks and a right land on the chin of Robinson who is forced onto the ropes. Robinson’s team can be heard telling him to fall behind the jab but he’s not able to.

It’s brave work from Robinson who stands up to Babic and just takes a pounding. Babic is landing regularly and it’s only a matter of time before he gets the knockout.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Alen Babic vs Steve Robinson

17:09 , Mike Jones

Round one

The fighters receive their final instructions. The bell goes and Babic storms across the ring and gets inside Robinson’s long reach.

The big fighter lands a couple of good right-hands but Babic returns the favour and nails an uppercut through the middle.

Babic clips Robinson on the ear and almost rocks him. The big man looks a bit wobbly already. Robinson makes it to the end of the round but takes more than a few left hooks to the side of the head.

This fight won’t last much longer.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: Alen Babic vs Steve Robinson

17:03 , Mike Jones

The undercard is about to begin. Steve Robinson is introduced first and strides out to the ring before waiting for his opponent...

... Alen Babic makes his ring walk to more ominous music. He looks determined here.

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE: An old-school clash built on setbacks and suspicion

16:40 , Alex Pattle

Days after their fight was made official, Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke spoke to The Independent about their rivalry.

“I was probably slightly suspicious about whether we’d really get it over the line,” said Wardley at the time. “I probably still have 10 per cent reservation at the moment, but overall I’m excited. It’s a big fight on a massive stage; they’re all fantastic milestones and boxes that I’m ticking off in my career. Just fingers, toes and everything else crossed that Frazer gets there.”

Clarke added: “I don’t think relief [is the right word], because I thought it was a fight that would be made for the sake of British boxing and the division, but I was happy that we finally got it over the line, because I’m a massive boxing fan. I was glad for myself, Fabio, the broadcaster and promoter. It put a bit of a dark light on myself, Sky and Boxxer last year.”

Full preview here:

Wardley vs Clarke: An old-school clash built on setbacks and suspicion

Wardley vs Clarke LIVE

14:29 , Alex Pattle

Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke will go head to head at London’s O2 Arena tonight, in a long-awaited clash for the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles.

Wardley was ordered to defend the British belt against Clarke one year ago, but the latter’s team removed him from purse bids for the fight – to the frustration of both heavyweights.

Wardley, 29, went on to stop David Adeleye in October to pick up the Commonwealth title and remain undefeated, while Clarke, 32, notched wins over Mariusz Wach and David Allen – also staying unbeaten.

Now, Wardley and the Olympic bronze medalist will finally square off, as they headline at the O2 in this highly-anticipated grudge match, with viral star Ben Whittaker among the undercard fighters.

Will Clarke have regrets after point deduction against Wardley?

22:59 , Jack Rathborn

Wardley vs Clarke: Tony Bellew reacts to heavyweight classic

22:58 , Jack Rathborn

Wardley vs Clarke

22:58 , Jack Rathborn