Olympic bronze medalist, Frazer Clarke will make his much-anticipated professional debut on the undercard of Amir Khan’s clash against Kell Brook on February 19 at the AO Arena, Manchester, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Clarke, who captained Team GB at last summer’s Tokyo Olympic Games announced shortly afterwards that he intended to join the professional ranks in the heavyweight division.
The Burton man signed a management deal with long-time friend and sparring partner, Anthony Joshua’s 258 MGT in November before inking a promotional deal with Ben Shalom’s BOXXER last month and Sky Sports.
“I am delighted to be making my debut on such a big night for British boxing,” Clarke said.
“Both Amir and Kell are legends so to be on their undercard is amazing.
“Burton is my home town and a place I love, but Manchester holds a special place in my heart, so to start my journey in front of their fans is special.
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“Training is going great and I am 100% focused on putting on a spectacular and entertaining show for everyone in the pros.”
The 30-year-old has joined up with trainer Angel Fernandez, a key member of Joshua’s team, at his Loughborough training base ahead of his first bow, which is subject to licensing by the BBBofC.
Shalom is keen for Clarke to capitalise on his lofty amateur career, which also saw him claim gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and is targeting a quick rise through the paid ranks, similar to his former GB teammate, Joe Joyce who is on the cusp of a world title shot after 13 straight wins.
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“Frazer will have to move as quickly as Joe, who is now 35 and is in world title contention,” Shalom told Sky Sports.
“By the time Frazer is 35, we’d be very disappointed if he hasn’t already had a world title fight.
“He will have to move quickly in the next few years but also carefully.”
“We were all so thrilled when Frazer signed an exclusive deal with BOXXER to showcase both his skills and personality on our huge platform,” Adam Smith, Sky Sports Head of Boxing Development said.
“We have built all the British heavyweight stars on Sky Sports and will do everything we can to help Frazer become the next one.
“The Team GB Captain has the experience, minerals and popularity to appeal to a cross over audience and the huge Khan-Brook show in Manchester on February 19th is the perfect stage for the launch of his enticing professional journey.”
Freddie Cunningham, Managing Director at 258 MGT, said: “As captain of the Team GB Boxing team and given his achievements as an amateur, Frazer deserves the biggest possible platform for his debut and Khan v Brook is that.
“Frazer has a great set up at Loughborough and will be in great shape for his pro debut.”
Also on the Khan vs Brook undercard is unbeaten cruiserweight prospect, Viddal Riley, undefeated middleweight, Bradley Rea and brothers Adam and Hassan Azim.
