Daniel Dubois makes huge claim ahead of Fabio Wardley rematch

On October 17 at the 02 Arena in London, Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2 headlines a Queensberry Promotions fight card, live on DAZN. Dubois’ WBO heavyweight title will be on the line, which he won against Wardley in their first fight. Ahead of this rematch, Dubois spoke to Ring Magazine, where he made a huge claim about Wardley’s power.

Daniel Dubois set for title defence in rematch against Fabio Wardley

Dubois (23-3, 22 KOs) became a two-time heavyweight champion when he defeated Fabio Wardley in their brutal war earlier this year. He overcame two early knockdowns and ultimately broke Wardley down and stopped him in the eleventh round.

Before that, Dubois lost in the rematch vs Oleksandr Usyk, which came after three memorable consecutive fights, where he defeated Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua.

Wardley (20-1-1, 19 KOs) enjoyed a fairytale run in the heavyweight division, recording wins against Frazer Clarke, Justis Huni, and Joseph Parker, with his power the difference in all these bouts. After the win over Parker, Wardley was promoted to the full WBO heavyweight champion, following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate.

Dubois dismisses Wardley’s power

Speaking to Louis Hart about the rematch, Dubois claimed: “Yeah, I beat him up easier. He ain’t got no power, so I’ll just break him down easier.”

When asked if he doesn’t respect Wardley’s power: “He hasn’t got no power, no,” said Dubois.

“Punches like a baby,” added a smiling Dubois.

The Big Fight Weekend verdict

It’s difficult not to see this fight catching fire; however, I am anticipating a quieter beginning, with Wardley looking to establish his jab, rather than just looking to knock the champion out.

He needs to stop Dubois getting into his groove, but he can’t rush his work like he did last time. We all know Wardley has an unbelievable chin, but it’s only been a matter of months since that war in Manchester. Can Wardley have recovered completely? I don’t believe so, and if Dubois is at his best, I see him winning by stoppage or by decision again, because it’s really difficult to see the Ipswich fighter turning the tables.

Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2 full fight card

• Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2, 12 rounds, for Dubois’ WBO heavyweight title
• Bakhodir Jalolov vs Solomon Dacres, 10 rounds, heavyweights
• Louie O’Doherty vs Michael Gomez Jr., 12 rounds, for O’Doherty’s British and Commonwealth lightweight titles
• Tony Curtis vs Kerim Agius, 8 rounds, super flyweights
• Manny Safari vs Jake Pollard, 4 rounds, super bantamweights

Stay with Big Fight Weekend for coverage of Dubois vs Wardley 2, including results and video highlights, and post-fight analysis.

Featured Image Credit:

Queensberry, Leigh Dawney