Moses Itauma reveals awkward possibility over Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois

On May 9, at the Co-op Live in Manchester, Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois headlines a Queensberry Promotions fight card, live on DAZN. Wardley’s WBO world heavyweight title will be on the line. This all-British clash has been dubbed “don’t blink.” 

Ahead of this heavyweight showdown, contender Moses Itauma spoke to Ariel Helwani about potentially facing the winner and a possible awkward gym situation.

Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois set for Manchester showdown

Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) has enjoyed a memorable rise through the heavyweight division, starting with white-collar boxing and beating boxers such as Justis Huni and Joseph Parker. Wardley has shown a tremendous will-to-win and devastating power.

Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs), despite his critics, has shown plenty of heart in his wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua. A second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk led Dubois to leave trainer Don Charles for Tony Sims, only to return to Charles for the Wardley fight.

When Wardley vs Dubois was announced, both reacted to the confirmation via a Queensberry press release:

“I’ve never been in this game to play around — I’m committed to big fights only. I’m the champion, this is a voluntary defence, and I chose this.

“I’m not about to win a world title and then take easy fights or hide away with it — I’m not running off with my belt. One thing you can’t ever say about me is I’ve shied away from a challenge. I’ve always gone looking for the biggest tests, and I’d back myself against anyone in this division.

“This is one of the biggest fights that can be made in the heavyweight division right now — and the best part is, it doesn’t need the extra stuff… this fight sells itself. With me, you know what you’re getting — drama and entertainment — and when that first bell goes, it’s going to be fireworks.”

Sending a clear message to his opponent, Dubois said:

“On the 9th May, the world title reign is over for Fabio, and I will become champion again. Let’s go.”

Moses Itauma discusses facing the winner of Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois

Discussing potentially facing the winner of Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois, Itauma said to Helwani: 

“If Fabio wins—we’re at the same gym—it might be a bit awkward. But obviously, if Dubois wins, it’ll probably be more likely to happen.

“One of us would have to leave the gym. I’ve never really thought of Wardley as my opponent. We’ve never sparred. Ben likes to keep the gym as a team environment.”