LONDON — Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois traded jibes today in London ahead of their heavyweight title fight
The pair will meet on May 9 in a clash for the WBO title at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena. The contest will represent Wardley’s first as a titleholder, after claiming the belt due to Oleksandr Usyk choosing to vacate rather than face him. Dubois will be walking straight into another title fight after losing his IBF strap in July in an undisputed clash with Usyk.
Some would think that Wardley would be entitled to an easier first defense following victories over Justis Huni and Joseph Parker. However, Wardley insisted that’s not his style.
“I rate [Dubois] very highly, that’s why I picked him as an opponent,” said Wardley. “I looked at the roster and thought he was the best one available. He’s the one that I’ll get the most credit for. I’ve never took the easy route. I want to be remembered as a fighter who took on the hardest challenges.”
Today’s launch press conference was the first time Wardley was announced as world champion since being elevated in November.
“It feels fantastic. It’s a fantastic thing to achieve for my career, in terms of where I’ve come from,” said Wardley, who came through the white-collar route. “Any boxer who comes into the game wants to win a world title. I’m immensely proud of myself. I’ve been doubted at every turn … we’ve got the world title now and we’re on to a fantastic defense.”
There was talk of Dubois returning in a runout following his stoppage loss to Usyk, but he will run straight into a contest with Wardley.
“I need challenges now where I am at in my career,” Dubois said. “All the experiences I’ve had in the past have prepared me for this moment. The experience, my skill set [is what will be the difference on the night].”
Wardley and Dubois kept things respectful today. That can’t be said for that of their team members.
“I think Daniel will flatten him and I think he’ll do it very, very fast,” said Dubois’ manager Sam Jones. “It’s going to be pretty fast and pretty violent.”
Wardley’s manager, Michael Ofo, responded by pointing out that Dubois had rejoined trainer Don Charles ahead of the contest, who he had previously left following defeat to Usyk.
“He left Don Charles, now he’s back. There’s insecurities over there,” said Ofo.
Charles opted not to comment on the matter.
“Talk is cheap. I want to talk about today and what is going to happen on the night,” he said.
Talk Dubois’ decision to rejoin Charles seemed to ignite something in Wardley, who then chose to take aim at Dubois’ three losses — once to Joe Joyce, twice to Usyk — in which he has come under criticism in all three for “quitting”.
“For me, one trainer, two trainers, I couldn’t give a shit,” said Wardley. “If we’re looking at proven records, when things get dicey Dubois isn’t really up for it. I’ll flatten Daniel, clean him out. I don’t need daring. I’ll walk into the center ring and [Dubois] will take the first step back.”
Dubois then seemed unsettled at the verbal onslaught coming his way and retaliated.
“Fuck that. I’ve got what it takes,” replied Dubois. “I’ll be the first man to take his ‘0’. Victory, by knockout, by any means necessary, but victory.”
Dubois then snubbed a handshake from Wardley following the first face-off.
