Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) achieved full champion status when he stopped Joseph Parker and now heads to Manchester’s Co-op Live on May 9 with the belt around his waist and a proven puncher opposite him. Dubois has already walked into championship fights, felt the pace and taken the punishment. He understands what twelve hard rounds require.
Wardley needs to start with the jab, hold mid-ring and keep his feet under him when he lets go of combinations. Dubois does his best work when he steps into the mid-range and lets go of his hands once he’s set, punching straight through the guard.
“I’m only committed to big fights. I’m the champion, it’s a voluntary defense, and I chose it. I’m not about to win a world title and then take easy fights or hide from them. One thing you can never say about me is that I’ve shied away from a challenge. I’ve always gone up against anybody in the biggest tests myself, and I’ve looked for myself in the biggest test division,” I said.
Wardley’s path is built on self-belief and steady improvement. He didn’t look past Parker and he won’t look past this. His promoter Frank Warren put it plainly: “This is another piece of British heavyweight history in the making.” The talk matches the fight on paper, though the ring delivers the last word once the bell rings.
Dubois approaches with fewer words. “On May 9, Fabio’s world title reign will be over, and I will be champion again. Let’s go.” This is the tone of a heavyweight who believes he has already seen this level and knows what is coming.
Expect early pressure from both. Expect exchanges once the series is established. If Wardley controls the pace and lets Dubois spin, he can bank rounds. When Dubois plants his feet and forces trades, the temperature rises quickly.
On May 9, one man’s belt will feel secure. The other will leave knowing exactly where he stands.
When two heavyweights trust their strength, the fight can turn in a second.
Event information
Date: 9 May
Start time: 19:00 UK / 13:00 ET
Streaming platform: DAZN
Venue: Co-op Live, Manchester
Main event: Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois, for the WBO heavyweight title
How to watch: Available on DAZN
