Briton, who defends his WBO title against Daniel Dubois, talks Fury-Joshua, doping and his punditry sideline
“T
he only expectation I have is that it will end in a knockout,” Fabio Wardley says cheerfully as he looks ahead to his dangerous first defence of the WBO world heavyweight title against Daniel Dubois in Manchester on Saturday night. “Don’t Blink” is the promotional tagline for a battle between two powerful yet vulnerable heavyweights and, for once, this is less boxing bluster than reasonable advice for anyone watching a fight which could be the most dramatic heavyweight contest this year.
Wardley and Dubois are devastating punchers who also often look at risk of losing. Dubois has been beaten three times in 25 fights while dispatching his other opponents with brutal efficiency. Two years ago, the unbeaten Wardley came close to defeat against Frazer Clarke in their first fight, which ended up being a draw after a damaging bloodbath for both men. He knocked out Clarke after two savage minutes in the rematch but then lost every round against Justis Huni before producing a chilling late stoppage of the skilful Australian last June.
A former white-collar boxer, with little amateur experience, Wardley always seems able to find a way to win. His most impressive victory, against the vastly experienced Joseph Parker last October, resulted in him becoming the WBO champion and Wardley sounds certain that his hand will be raised after another hard test this weekend.
