When Frazer Clarke stepped off the scales after his last fight — a brutal first-round knockout loss to Fabio Wardley in October 2024 — few expected him to be talking world titles just a year later. But here he is, 33 years old, Olympic bronze medalist from Birmingham, and convinced he’s closer to a world title shot than most people realize. On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Clarke didn’t mince words: "I punched a hole in Dave Allen a lot easier than Makhmudov did." The statement wasn’t just bravado. It was a calculated challenge to the boxing establishment’s logic — and a reminder that sometimes, the most deserving fighter gets overlooked.
The Fight That Sparked the Outrage
On October 11, 2025, at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena, Arslanbek Makhmudov, the 30-year-old Russian-born Canadian heavyweight, outlasted Dave Allen over 12 brutal rounds to win the WBA Inter-Continental title. The judges’ scores — 115-111, 116-110, 117-109 — told a story of control, not destruction. Allen, 33, admitted afterward in a candid YouTube review that Makhmudov’s power never faded. "Every punch was the same," he said. "By round seven, my legs were gone. I was fit — but not fit enough for that kind of punishment." Clarke, watching from his training camp, saw something different. He’d beaten Allen — the same Allen, same weight class, same pedigree — six rounds earlier in 2023. A clean, decisive win. No 12-round war. No judges’ scores needed. Just a knockout in the sixth."Why Not Me?" — Clarke’s Case for Recognition
"There was ludicrous talk," Clarke told Sky Sports on October 22, "that if Dave Allen won, he’d fight Anthony Joshua. Now they’re calling Makhmudov a rising star. What he did over 10 rounds, I did in six." The frustration isn’t just personal. It’s systemic. In boxing, longevity often trumps efficiency. A fighter who survives 12 rounds gets labeled "tough." One who ends it in six? Sometimes, he’s called "lucky." Clarke’s record — 12 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw — includes a draw with Wardley for the British title in March 2024, then a devastating KO loss in their rematch. But before that? He won Olympic bronze in Tokyo. He’s a proven performer on the biggest stages. "There’s a lot worse fighters than me being talked about for a world title shot than me, let me tell you that," Clarke said. "So why not?" His next step? A fight for the vacant British heavyweight title against Jeamie 'TKV' Tshikeva, a 31-year-old Congolese-British contender with a 10-2 record (6 KOs). The bout takes place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Vaillant Live Arena in Derby, England.
What Comes After the British Title?
Winning the British title isn’t just about pride — it’s the gateway. Clarke isn’t hiding his ambitions. "Makhmudov will be a good fight," he said. "He’s in a good position now." And then there’s Johnny Fisher — the charismatic, crowd-drawing heavyweight with a 16-0 record and a social media following that rivals some NFL stars. A Clarke vs. Fisher bout would sell out the O2. It’s the kind of fight that moves needles. "A fight with Johnny Fisher is always going to be big," Clarke added. "He brings the crowd, the noise, the interest. And if I beat him? That’s not just a title defense. That’s a world title eliminator." Even Allen, now reeling from his loss to Makhmudov, may have to come back for a rematch — either with Clarke or Tshikeva. But Clarke’s message is clear: he doesn’t need to wait for permission. He’s already done more than half the fighters being hyped.The Bigger Picture: Who Gets Rewarded in Boxing?
Boxing’s hierarchy is strange. Fighters who survive, who show heart, who go the distance — they get the TV deals, the sponsorships, the title shots. Fighters who dominate quickly? Often labeled "one-dimensional." Clarke’s 2023 win over Allen wasn’t flashy. No knockdowns. Just clean, technical dominance. But it was efficient. And in today’s landscape, efficiency doesn’t always get the spotlight. "They talk about Makhmudov’s power," Clarke said. "Fine. But I was the one who made Allen quit. Not the judges. Not the rounds. Me. In six." The truth? If Clarke beats Tshikeva on October 25, he’ll be the British champion — and the most logical next challenger for either Makhmudov or Fisher. And if he wins either of those? He’ll be in the top 10 of the WBC, WBA, or IBF. The world title shot won’t be a dream. It’ll be a deadline.
What’s Next?
Clarke’s camp is already hinting at a late 2026 world title shot — if he wins the British title and then defeats either Makhmudov or Fisher. DAZN has already flagged his name as a potential contender for the winner of the upcoming Wilder vs. Fury III rematch undercard. Meanwhile, Allen’s team is quietly exploring options — possibly a rematch with Tshikeva or a fight against another British hopeful. But Clarke? He’s not looking back. "I love the sport," he said. "I love competing. And I’m not done yet." The British title is just the beginning. The world title? That’s the next round.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Frazer Clarke beat Dave Allen in 2023, and why does it matter now?
Clarke defeated Allen via unanimous decision after six rounds in 2023, showcasing superior technique and power without needing a knockout. That win matters now because Allen’s recent 12-round decision loss to Makhmudov has led to talk of Allen — and now Makhmudov — being world-title contenders. Clarke argues his earlier, more decisive victory proves he’s more deserving of that next step.
Why is the British heavyweight title so important for Clarke’s world title chances?
The British title is a recognized stepping stone to international recognition. Winning it positions Clarke as the top domestic contender, making him a mandatory challenger for WBC or WBA regional titles. A victory over Tshikeva would make him the clear next opponent for Makhmudov or Fisher — both of whom are ranked in the top 15 globally, clearing a direct path to a world title shot.
What’s the significance of Clarke’s Olympic medal in his current career trajectory?
Clarke’s 2020 Tokyo Olympic bronze medal gives him credibility beyond the professional circuit — a rare asset in heavyweight boxing, where amateur pedigree is often undervalued. It signals elite-level skill and discipline, helping him stand out in a crowded field where many fighters lack international experience. That background makes promoters more willing to book him against bigger names.
Could Dave Allen still challenge for a world title after his loss to Makhmudov?
It’s unlikely. Allen, 33, has now lost two of his last three fights — including his first-ever decision loss to Clarke in 2023. His performance against Makhmudov revealed declining stamina and vulnerability to power. While he could still fight for the British title again, his window for a world title shot has likely closed. The boxing world now sees him as a solid domestic fighter, not a global contender.
Who are the top contenders Clarke could face after winning the British title?
The two most likely opponents are Arslanbek Makhmudov, who holds the WBA Inter-Continental title, and Johnny Fisher, the popular undefeated British heavyweight. A fight with Makhmudov would unify regional titles, while Fisher brings mainstream attention. Either win would place Clarke in the top 10 of major sanctioning bodies, making him an automatic contender for a world title shot.
When could Frazer Clarke realistically fight for a world title?
If Clarke wins the British title on October 25, 2025, and defeats either Makhmudov or Fisher by mid-2026, he could be in position for a world title shot by late 2026. DAZN and promoters are already tracking his progress, and with his Olympic pedigree and recent momentum, he’s being positioned as the next serious British heavyweight threat to the global elite.