At the Echo Arena in Liverpool, Stephen Clarke (1-0, 1 KO) made a winning start to his professional career by stopping Vasif Mamedov (3-47-5) in the third round in front of his home fans at the Echo Arena.
As you would expect from a fighter making their debut on such a high profile bill, Clarke started the four round middleweight contest at a fast clip. He did it smartly though, using his jab and straight right hands and moving.
Mamedov – a Russian who now makes his living giving rounds to British prospects – had no answer when Clarke kept things at distance but when the Liverpudlian stepped a little close, he got the chance to wing in some short hooks and just slow down Clarke’s march.
The fight came to a bizarre conclusion. Mamedov spent most of the third round complaining and turned his back as the pair left a brief clinch. He looked to be stealing a break rather than showing distress but Clarke correctly took advantage, landing a couple of shots as Mamedov looked out of the ring and referee Mark Lyson stopped the fight. It was a harsh decision but the result was never in doubt from the opening bell.
Clarke gets his career up and running with a third round stoppage. The official time was 1.53 of the third.