SUPER-HEAVYWEIGHT gold medalist Frazer Clarke will be at the Pirelli Stadium for our match against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, fresh off his Commonwealth Games boxing glory.
The 26-year-old boxer won gold on Australia’s Gold Coast last week, outpointing India’s Satish Kumar over three rounds and taking a unanimous decision in the super-heavyweight category.
And the Burton-born boxer returned home to a hero’s welcome this week, having received a wealth of support from his friends, family and the club during his Commonwealth experience.
Clarke beat Australia’s Toese Von Siutu and two-time silver medalist Patrick Mailata to set up the final with Kumar, walking away with a convincing victory along with the gold.
“It was an emotional moment,” Clarke said.
“People don’t really see what goes into training - a lot of time and effort, a lot of time away from my family.
“When it does come it’s massive and everything is for little moments like that. It does make me well up when I think of the support I’ve had from back home.
“It makes everyone proud and it’s a good feeling.
“The reaction in Burton has been fantastic. People rammed out the Locomotive in town and I had a lot of support back there on fight day.
“To come back and see the support I was given, I have to thank my family and friends.”
And Clarke believes now is his time as he eyes a spot on Team GB’s Olympic team in Tokyo in 2020.
“I believe that everyone has an allotted time frame and you have to get it right at your time,” said Clarke.
“The time before, it wasn’t ready for me. I’m fit now and I’ve been training really hard. It’s my time now.
“I’m really focused on doing that and the next two years are very important for my career.
“(The final) was a close one because I think he realised I was a bit fatigued from the tough fight I had the day before. He jumped straight on me and took it to me and fought a good fight.
“I don’t think I was at my best but I think he boxed really well.
“It’s tough when you’re in there but you have to dig deep and I felt I needed to do that. I didn’t want to let it slip after doing so well.”
Clarke will be the club’s guest for this weekend’s game at home to Bolton, and will be interviewed on the pitch at half-time while backing the lads in our push for Championship safety.
“I know the people of Burton and they’re loyal - they’ll stick with the team through thick and thin,” Clarke said.
“It’s like me in my career - there’ll be ups and downs and all I can ask is people stick with me through the ups and the downs as well because that’s when it really matters.
“On the day of the game I think you’ve got to be calm.
“All the fans ask is the lads run their socks off until they can’t keep going. If they give it 100% which I’m sure they will, everyone will be proud and that’s what matters."
Manager Nigel Clough praised the “magnificent” fans who cheered The Brewers on at the Stadium of Light last weekend and the Brewers will need that backing again on Saturday against Bolton Wanderers.
Tickets are on sale now by clicking here, calling 01283 565938 or at the club shop during normal opening hours.