Fitzgerald and Ryan Clarke to settle differences this weekend

It doesn’t pack the grudge punch an Anthony Fitzgerald versus Gary Spike O’Sullivan clash does, but ‘The Pride’ has been afforded the chance to settle some differences with an old verbal sparring partner this coming weekend.

The MGM fighter will trade punches with Ryan Clarke, a fighter he traded words with on numerous occasions mid 2011, at Deeside Leisure Centre, Queensferry, Wales on Friday night.

Things got so heated between the pair back in 2011 that Clarke advised ‘Fitzy’ to agree to face him in the ring or risk a not so friendly gym visit from the English fighter

The Dublin middleweight responded in typical aggressive fashion, but the fight wasn’t made as Fitzgerald felt Clarke represented a step back.

At that time Clarke played a journey man role and won twice in just his first 50 fights, however he always maintained if he trained full time he could have ensured most of his defeats were victories.

Indeed when he began full time training Clarke twice stopped Jonjo Finnegan in International Masters title fights before crushing Jamie Bones in a round. The 24 year old has lost his last three bouts, but will be motivated against the Dublin fighter and will provide a good workout before  another possible grudge match with Gary O’Sullivan.

Fitzgerald’s club mate Declan Geraghty also appears on the card and will fight Ibrar Riyaz in his seventh pro bout.