Clarke’s unanimous decision win over Satish Kumar was the last of six golds for England in Oxenford Studios – along with a silver and two bronzes for a record Commonwealth haul.

And two years out from Tokyo 2020 – the omens are good for more records to tumble.   

“This feels like a golden generation,” said coach Lee Pullen.

“I’ve been involved in the last three or four cycles and two years out from the Olympics we are in a really good position – much healthier than we were pre-London or Rio.” 

Clarke’s hard-fought victory over Kumar was the crowning glory on a dream Saturday that began with Lisa Whiteside stepping out of Nicola Adams’ shadow in style.

The 32-year-old claimed victory over Carly McNaul of Northern Ireland in the women’s flyweight to claim her first gold at a multi-sport event after missing the last two Olympics.

“I've always been so close to getting on top, so to stand on that podium, it's about more than just winning that Commonwealth Games,” she said.

“I've had to bide my time, I've had to take knocks, I've had to be sat in the shadows and now it's about me, Lisa Whiteside, and I'm number one at the Commonwealth Games.

“There were times when I nearly quit, I'm not going to lie. But because of the backing of my amazing family and my coaches, I've chuffed that I've been able to prove that all the hard work has been worthwhile.”

Sandy Ryan claimed gold at 69kg by downing Wales’ Rosie Eccles while there was also a silver for late call-up Paige Murney at 60kg.

Galal Yafai led the charge on the men’s side with gold in the light flyweight – something his two elder brothers Khalid and Gamal – who both boxed for Team GB – never managed.

“That does make it that little bit extra special – it is something I have got over them,” he said.

“It took me until a bit later to start following in their footsteps but I have finally got there now – and now I have a Commonwealth gold medal.

“I was just enjoying my life when I was 16 or 17 when maybe I should have been boxing – but I have been catching up and I have caught up now.”

Peter McGrail at bantamweight added Commonwealth gold to his European crown while Pat McCormack beat Aidan Walsh at 69kg to take gold.

And that set the stage for Clarke – a European silver medallist but who missed out on the last two Olympics as Anthony Joshua and Joe Joyce won selection – to stake his claim for Tokyo 2020.

“I hope people do recognise me now – I am Frazer Clarke, big Fraze, from a little town called Burton on Trent,” he said.  

“If you don’t know me now, get to know me because you are going to be seeing a lot more of me over the next few years.

“Everyone has an allotted time frame, I just took a little longer than the others. I am a slow developer and I am still getting better. You can see that tonight, I am not perfect – far from it.

“Could I have won the gold in London? No. Could I have won it in Rio? Maybe. But the right two lads got chosen for the job, they served our country very well. My time will be in Tokyo.”

There was also joy for and Welsh duo Lauren Price (women’s 75kg) and Sammy Lee (81kg) who all climbed the top step of the podium.

npower is the Official Partner of Team England and is giving our athletes the power of support by recording a brand new version of their anthem, Jerusalem. To listen to the track visit npower.com/teamengland

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