Frazer Clarke v Mariusz Wach: Tale of the Tape

We take a look at the make-up of Frazer Clarke and former heavyweight world title contender Mariusz Wach as the pair get set to lock horns at Bethnal Green's iconic York Hall on Friday.

When an up-and-coming British heavyweight needs a thorough examination, and maybe a few more rounds in the bank, then matchmakers more often than not tend to dip into a pot of opponents who are tried and tested - one of those is Mariusz Wach. 

The Polish giant has been a professional for 18 years and has shared the ring with many recognisable names.

Former unified world champion Wladimir Klitschko heads that list, whilst the vastly experienced Pole has also confronted the likes of Alexander Povetkin, Dillian Whyte and Hughie Fury.

Despite succumbing to defeats in all four of those bouts, the standout fact is that Wach far from disgraced himself - in fact, he took a peak Klitschko all the way to points - proving he has the nous and durability to last the distance.

In a nutshell, he's a tough man to put down, and keep down!

Frazer Clarke is a novice professional having only fought six times, but his age (31) and his amateur pedigree, including an Olympic bronze medal, have propelled him far higher up the rankings than that of some of his peers who have undertaken more duels.

Following the well-publicised stand-off between BOXXER and Matchroom, over purse bids for the British heavyweight title dust-up between Clarke and Fabio Wardley, the Burton man needs to get back doing what he does best - and he needs to look impressive in doing so too.

The heavy favourite maybe doesn't possess anything within his locker that Wach won't have seen before, and whilst victory is the objective for Clarke, it absolutely cannot be the sole objective. Cruising to a points win simply won't suffice.

His promoter Ben Shalom emphasised the need for his charge to gain rounds - a narrative used in part for their withdrawal from the possibility of facing British champion Wardley. 

Clarke has good fundamentals and respectable power, which has done a job up to a certain level of opponent in the six he’s faced. 

But with Wach, he's going to have to chop, chop and chop... until the giant Pole falls!
 

Frazer Clarke v Mariusz Wach 
Tale of the Tape

Shaun's Shout:

At 1/18 there is little value in backing Clarke to simply win the fight - you need to be casting your eyes towards the method of victory markets.

For me, there's little doubt that Clarke will prevail in the capital, but it's how he does that which is where the big question remains.

There's no doubt that the Pole is easier to dent than he was a decade ago - a time he was mixing it with the likes of Klitschko - but I just don't feel that Clarke possesses the power and oomph to send Wach down to the canvas.

For me, I really like the look of the 7/4 on offer for the Olympian to get the job done on points - by virtue of a judges' decision.

Ten rounds will be invaluable for the long odds-on favourite and the 7/4 win on points is very much worth considering. 
 

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All odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to fluctuation.

Shaun Brown

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