Frazer Clarke has been getting valuable advice from former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis as he prepares for his rematch with Fabio Wardley this weekend in Saudi Arabia. Clarke and Wardley battled to an exciting split draw in March at the O2 Arena, and now they are set to face off again in a bout on the undercard of the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol light heavyweight title fight.
Lewis, known for his calm demeanor during fight week, has been sharing his wisdom with Clarke, helping him stay composed and focused. Lewis was a master at conserving his energy, often frustrating his trainer, Emanuel Steward, with how relaxed he appeared before big fights. This ability to stay calm under pressure helped Lewis dig deep in grueling battles against the likes of Ray Mercer and Shannon Briggs and execute cold performances when he sensed weakness in his opponents, such as his knockout victory over Michael Grant.
Clarke has taken Lewis' lessons to heart, recognizing the importance of controlling emotions during fight week. "You learn, as you get more seasoned in the pros, that there’s a time to turn it on and a time to turn it off," Clarke said. "I'm a nice guy, and I’d speak to everybody if I could, but I told the team today, 'As soon as you think I’m doing too much, get me out of there.'"
In their first encounter, Clarke got drawn into an emotional back-and-forth with Wardley. This time, Clarke plans to detach himself from the rivalry and focus on the technical aspects that earned him an Olympic bronze medal. His experience from years in the amateur ranks, where minor adjustments can make all the difference, should give him an edge in the rematch.
Reflecting on his preparation, Clarke said, "This game isn't just about being the biggest and strongest. You've got to be a thinking fighter, and I'd like to think I am that. I've learned from my mistakes, and on Saturday night, I'll show everyone who the best is."
Watch the press conference of Beterbiev and Bivol today live here.
Image Credit: DAZN