Boxing
Fabio Wardley claims Daniel Dubois' biggest strength can work against him
Wardley vs. Dubois: Only on DAZN PPV - Saturday
MANCHESTER – Fabio Wardley claims to have found both Daniel Dubois’ biggest strength and weakness ahead of their world heavyweight title fight, live on DAZN PPV and DAZN Ultimate.
Wardley will make the first defence of his WBO heavyweight title on Saturday night at Manchester’s Co-op Live against Dubois in what many are billing is a Fight of the Year contender.
For Wardley he will be looking to preserve his 21-fight unbeaten record, while Dubois fights for the first time since suffering another loss to Oleksandr Usyk back in July when the undisputed heavyweight title was up for grabs.
Dubois mentality a strength and weakness, says Wardley
Dubois’ mentality has often been up for debate whenever he suffers a defeat in a big fight, and this subject reared its head once again at the final press conference.
When asked what Dubois’ strength and weakness is, Wardley cited his mentality being something that can both work for and against him.
“Mentality. Daniel has proven to be durable, strong and mentally resilient,” Wardley said.
“In other fights you have seen that lacking. It depends what Daniel turns up on the night, can be a flip of the coin.”
Fabio Wardley: This is why I will never back down from anyone
Wardley vs. Dubois only on DAZN PPV and Ultimate Tier - Saturday, May 9 - Buy here
Dubois simply responded with “no comment” when asked whether he will reveal the WBO heavyweight champion’s strength or weakness, keeping up the tense, but dialled-in demeanour he has been displaying throughout fight week.
Dubois professionalism questioned by Wardley camp
A clip of Dubois walking out of a fight week interview with DAZN went viral on Tuesday, thrusting ‘Dynamite’ and his conduct into the spotlight.
There is a tense aura around Dubois, but after his second defeat to Usyk was overshadowed by a gathering before the biggest fight of his life, you can see why he is fully locked in to the task at hand.
As he sat down to begin the press conference, there was little emotion, albeit a brief smile for when his name got announced, but it seemed inevitable that his demeanour would be mentioned in front of the media.
Wardley’s manager, Michael Ofo, was quick to criticise Dubois and his team’s conduct during fight week, claiming the former IBF heavyweight champion is not “a professional athlete.”
“I don’t class that as being a professional athlete,” Ofo said when giving his thoughts on Dubois walking out of his fight week media engagements.
“I know Riz [Khan, Dubois’ manager] has experience in childcare, him being a carer has probably helped him.
A heated exchange followed between Ofo and the ever-vocal Sam Jones, who is a part of Dubois’ team, bringing some extra drama to what promises to be a thrilling fight in the ring.
Watch Wardley vs. Dubois only on DAZN
The WBO world heavyweight title is on the line for Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois this Saturday, May 9, only on DAZN PPV. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with the Usyk vs Verhoeven (May 23), Fury vs. Hall (June 13) and Zayas vs. Ennis (June 27) PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.
For more information, pricing and to buy, click here.
