Many early predictions focused on the idea that Wardley’s best path to victory was dragging Dubois into a heavy exchange, yet the champion sees the fight differently and says his boxing ability has been overlooked.
“I actually think boxing-wise I have a better skill set than him,” Wardley told Boxing News while discussing the fight during an appearance at the BBBofC Awards. “He has very good fundamentals, but overall ability, arsenal, the whole package, I think I’m the better boxer.”
Wardley was often regarded primarily for his strength and durability, a reputation built through several dramatic fights and strong finishes that sometimes led observers to view his bouts as tests of toughness rather than boxing ability. This perception, he says, has followed him throughout most of his professional career.
“I think I’m a bit overlooked,” Wardley said. “But I’ve been overlooked for about 98 percent of my career. No problem. We’ll keep moving and doing our job at night.”
The champion said facing Dubois reflects the same approach he took during his rise in the heavyweight division. Rather than looking for easier title defences, Wardley believes the bout represents the strongest opposition currently available in Britain.
“Probably the one and two in the UK at the moment,” Wardley said of himself and Dubois. “It shows the type of fights I want, especially as a champion. I want to test myself and prove myself.”
Having a world title added pride to the brief, but Wardley insists the mindset heading into the ring remains unchanged. A belt can increase the pressure surrounding a fight, but he says the task itself remains familiar.
“You understand the pride that comes with the belt,” Wardley said. “But at the end of the day it’s still just a fight.”
Dubois enters the contest looking to bounce back after suffering a knockout loss in his previous outing, a result that changed his immediate position in the heavyweight race. Despite that setback, Wardley expects a tough challenge from a fighter known for his punching power and physical strength.
Wardley believes opinions on the fight could change once the action begins. After spending most of his career making predictions that underestimate his boxing ability, he sees little reason to handle this moment any differently.
