WBO heavyweight champion trainer Ben Davison said Fabio Wardley is ready for a “shootout” against British rival Daniel Dubois.
Wardley will make his first defense of the WBO belt against Dubois on May 9 in Manchester when two of Britain’s most explosive heavyweights will share the ring.
Dubois has shown off his punching power with stoppage wins over Anthony Joshua, Filip Hrgovic and Jarrell Miller, while Wardley also proved his threat with brutal stops over Joseph Parker and Justise Hooni.
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Dubois refused to shake Wardley’s hand after their first match at the pregame press conference.
Asked about Wardley vs. Dubois, Davison told Sky Sports: “I think it’s going to be a shootout.”
“As Fabio said, he’s not worried about being in a shootout. It’s a risk, but he knows that and he’s not afraid of it. I think that’s Fabio Fabio.”
“He’s smart in his approach to fighting like that, and he’ll try to take advantage of certain scenarios and moments that work in his favor and nullify those that go against him.
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Andy Scott previews Wardley’s title defense against Dubois and hopes fans have something to look forward to
“I know it’s probably not a long fight. Fabio Wardley is the best in sports entertainment.
“We’re looking forward to it.”
The British Boxing Board of Control recognized Wardley’s dramatic wins over Huni and Parker by naming the undefeated 31-year-old Boxer of the Year at Sunday’s ceremony.
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Wardley reveals his favorite moments of 2025 and plans for the future.
“There’s more to me than that,” Wardley told Sky Sports.
“In my case, before the 10th race, my head went through the ceiling and all I could see was a clear sky above me.
“I was like, ‘Cool, the sky’s the limit, let’s go and keep moving.’
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Wardley suggests Dubois’ front-footed fighting style is a good match and would suit him when the two meet.
“The reason I chose a guy like Daniel Dubois is the ambition of a real fight, a real opponent, a real accomplishment, and hopefully we can have a great fight and come back here next year for Fighter of the Year or Contest of the Year.”
“I’ve always worked on the idea of pushing myself and challenging myself.”
Watch Dubois-Harper and Scotney-Flores live on Sky Sports on Sunday 5th April.
