Teddy Atlas has shared his prediction for the upcoming heavyweight clash between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois. The respected boxing analyst expects an explosive fight and believes the matchup could come down to one punch.
Wardley is set to defend his WBO heavyweight title against Dubois on May 9 at the Co-op Live Arena. The fight has already generated major anticipation due to the knockout power both men possess.
Between them, the two heavyweights have produced 40 stoppage victories, leading many fans and analysts to expect a violent contest.
Atlas highlights Wardley and Dubois’ knockout power and defensive flaws
Speaking about the matchup on his YouTube channel, Atlas explained why he believes both fighters are dangerous but vulnerable at the same time.
“It might come down to who lands first,” Atlas said. “Both guys are big punchers and the punch that they deliver with the most frequency and knockout power is the right hand.”
Atlas also highlighted a major concern for both men heading into the fight.
“They both get hit with right hands. They both have been caught with right hands, so both of them are susceptible to the other guy’s forte, to the other guy’s strength.”
His comments suggest the fight may not become a technical chess match. Instead, one clean shot could quickly decide the outcome.
Atlas gives Wardley the mental edge over Dubois
While Atlas acknowledged Dubois’ experience, he believes Wardley currently holds the psychological advantage.
“The mental is always important,” Atlas explained. “75% of this is mental.”
He pointed toward Wardley’s momentum as a major factor. The undefeated heavyweight recently captured an interim title against Joseph Parker, which was later elevated to full champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt.
While Dubois is coming off a knockout defeat against Usyk.
“That edge has to go, right now, to Wardley,” Atlas said. “He just won a heavyweight title, he is undefeated and Dubois is coming off a knockout loss to Usyk.”
Still, Atlas refused to dismiss Dubois completely.
“Dubois has been here before,” he added.
Dubois experience could still play major role against Wardley
Atlas also discussed the experience gap between the two fighters. He believes Dubois’ amateur background gives him an important advantage.
“Dubois is much more experienced,” Atlas said. “I don’t mean just in the pros, I mean he had an amateur background.”
He then praised Wardley’s unusual rise through the heavyweight division.
“What makes Wardley so extraordinary, and makes his story so extraordinary, is that he had no amateur fights.”
Wardley’s rapid success without a traditional amateur foundation has become one of the more unique stories in heavyweight boxing.
Atlas predicts early finish in Wardley vs Dubois
Despite seeing paths to victory for both men, Atlas ultimately leaned toward Wardley continuing his momentum.
“It’s a very interesting fight,” Atlas said. “I am going to go with the under [8.5 rounds].”
The veteran analyst expects the bout to end before the later rounds due to the aggression and power involved.
“I think that Dubois has got a chance of winning this fight, I do, but I am not going against Wardley, not when he is on this magic carpet ride.”
With fight night approaching, the heavyweight showdown continues to attract major attention. If Atlas is correct, fans may not need to wait long before seeing fireworks inside the ring.
