Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois are set to clash for the WBO heavyweight title on May 9 at Co-op Live in Manchester. Tensions have risen following a controversial remark made by Wardley regarding Dubois’s potential career outside of boxing.
Wardley stated, “If he wasn’t a boxer, I think he might just be a bin man or something like that.” This comment has drawn sharp criticism, especially from Dubois’s camp.
As of midday, reactions are pouring in. Don Charles, Dubois’s trainer, called the remark shocking and condescending. He emphasized that such comments are unexpected from a fighter like Wardley.
Dubois himself responded, saying, “Really, it’s disrespect, but we’ll address that in the ring.” This back-and-forth adds another layer to an already intense British boxing rivalry.
The fight is billed as “Don’t Blink” and promises to be a significant event in heavyweight boxing. Fans can expect ring-walks around 11 p.m. BST after an undercard starting at 6 p.m. BST.
Wardley enters this fight with an unbeaten record of 20 wins, including 19 knockouts. He won the WBO interim title with a Round 11 stoppage over Joseph Parker last October.
Dubois holds a record of 22 wins and 3 losses, with 21 knockouts. He faced a setback when he was knocked out by Oleksandr Usyk in July last year.
The fight will be available on DAZN for £24.99 pay-per-view, with subscriptions costing £25.99 monthly or £119.99 annually.
Fans eagerly await what promises to be an electrifying night of boxing as both fighters prepare to settle their differences in the ring.