Background
Clarke was born in Auckland and was educated at Street Peter"s College, where he was a foundation pupil and where the sport of boxing was encouraged by the Christian Brothers so that the boys could defend themselves against bullying.
Clarke was born in Auckland and was educated at Street Peter"s College, where he was a foundation pupil and where the sport of boxing was encouraged by the Christian Brothers so that the boys could defend themselves against bullying.
The school boxing championships were held annually, usually at the Municipal Hall, Newmarket. In his professional career, Clarke fought thirteen bouts, winning 6 (including one knockout) and losing six (one knockout), with one bout drawn. Clarke"s last professional bout was on 1 March 1952 at the Mangakino Domain, Mangakino.
During his career, Clarke"s height was 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) and he generally weighed about 73 kg (about 1150 stone).
Clarke held the title (successfully defending it twice, against Downes and Ray Stevens) until 18 August 1949 when he was defeated by Ray Stevens at Wanganui, also on points in 15 rounds.