“I think Dubois is going to win because he has a lot more experience and he’s beaten better guys,” Okolie told Sky Sports. “If they start trading, unless Fabio is that much faster, Dubois definitely hits harder than him and will hurt him.”
The reasoning is clear. Wardley has speed and delivered sudden finishes, but Dubois performed at a higher level in longer fights. Okolie thinks about what happens when the pace slows, and the bigger punches start landing cleanly. He acknowledged the threat Wardley poses, especially under coach Ben Davison.
“If they catch Dan early and hard, we might see a repeat of (Wardley’s best) performances,” Okolie said. “But I’ll favor Dan in that fight.”
Okolie’s familiarity with Dubois dates back to their time under Shane McGuigan, when they trained in the same camp and sparred frequently. That background informs his commentary on strength and durability up close.
The prediction comes as Okolie prepares for his own fight next month. He faces 2016 Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka in Paris on April 25 and holds the no. 1 position in the WBC rankings. He has publicly targeted interim titleholder Agit Kabayel and described the route he plans to take.
“My goal is to win in France, win in Germany, and then win in England and be king of everything,” Okolie said.
A Dubois victory in Manchester would set up a British fight built on shared history and previous sparring. A Wardley win would shift the direction of that pursuit, although Okolie’s focus remains unchanged.
Lawrence must defeat Yoka first. After that, the Kabayel event is before him. By now siding with Dubois, Okolie has made clear what version of the domestic picture he expects to pursue once his own work abroad is complete.
