WBO world champion Fabio Wardley has stated that there is not a fellow heavyweight who can knock him out. Furthermore, the 31-year-old from Ipswich has indicated to Daniel Dubois that he can stop the former IBF title holder when they lock horns at the CO-OP Live Arena in Manchester on May 9.
“Ultimately nobody knows my level aside from me,” Wardley said in a DAZN broadcast of FACE OFF with Dubois sat across him, hosted by Ade Oladipo. “I believe I can go all the way to the top. I don’t believe there is a man who can stand in front of me and make it through the full 12 rounds with me. Look, as good as a fighter is, he’s been in with some good guys, but I don’t think he is the man to do it either.”
Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) was elevated to the status of world champion late last year after Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt. Wardley has become one of the most exciting headliners in the UK following three straight knockout victories against Frazer Clarke, Justis Huni and Joseph Parker. His first title showdown against his fellow Englishman is a voluntary defense.
“I think my journey has been the opposite of lucky,” Wardley said in response to Dubois calling him fortunate on his road to becoming a champion. “I’ve thrown myself into the deep end a number of times, in terms of challenging bigger names and bigger opponents. Pushing myself when everyone said, ‘he’s not that good, he’s not going to go that far’ and all the rest of it.”
Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs) has experienced a much more turbulent turn of events while Wardley has worked his way into becoming WBO world champion. Following a short reign as the IBF world title holder, which included a spectacular fifth round stoppage win against Anthony Joshua, Dubois lost a convincing fifth round knockout in a rematch with Usyk.
“As a proven record, I knock people out,” Wardley explained. “Whether it be in the first, second or third round, or ten, eleven, twelve, I carry that power all the way through. I carry that, heart, determination and game all the way through! Every minute of every round I am in the fight. There is not a second in the fight that I’m down and out.”
Dubois’ loss to Usyk was followed by several media reports of a lack of professionalism in his backroom team, which reportedly held a party the day before the fight with Usyk. Trainer Don Charles was removed from the team and then quickly reinstated. While advisor Sam Jones has also joined the team in an apparent move to stabilize the inner workings of his affairs. Dubois’ bout with Wardley marks his return to action since his third career knockout defeat.
“There is not a lot to be ashamed of in losing to Oleksandr Usyk,” Wardley added in complete check of his calm and focus. “He’s a top generational talent. He’s a great fighter, so there is not a lot to take from that. I’ve said before that at least 98 percent of the division are going to lose or at least have a very hard time with him.
“It’s not a lot that I’m paying attention to in terms of the Usyk fight. Again, for me, he’s very different to me. There are different aspects of the fight that don’t really apply in the same way I’m looking to apply on Daniel.”
