Daniel Dubois and Fabius Wardley are both at the peak of their careers and promise another explosive encounter on Saturday to rematch the world heavyweight title in London.
WBO champion Dubois tipped the scales at 18st 2lb (115kg) with Wardley coming in at 17st 10lb (112kg) ahead of their meeting at the O2 Arena.
Advertisement
The British rivals produced a showdown in Manchester in May, when Wardley met Dubois twice before London to stop a bloodied and scarred opponent in the 11th round.
“I take my confidence from the second things I did in the first fight – getting in the first and third,” Wardley, 31, said.
“I need to capitalize on those moments better. I am ready to put on a clean performance.”
Dubois, 29, is 2lb heavier for the rematch, while Wardley has added more than 6lb.
Asked for a prediction, Wardley added: “Avenger, Fabio Wardley, knock to win.”
Advertisement
Undertaking the grounds of Spitalfields Market
Daniel Dubois has won 23 of his professional fights, with 22 knockouts, while Fabio Wardley has 20 wins, 19 knockouts, one win and a draw. [Getty Images]
The final contest took place at Old Spitalfields in London’s East Market, with two heavy weights used to balance the noise of stalls and street shops.
Two hundred people gathered under the roof of the Victorian market, some made their way to the event, others stopped to see what the business was about.
A more subdued event, with a smaller turnout than when Moses Itauma and Philip Hrgovic spent the same August venue.
Wardley arrived more than an hour before the event, appearing unruffled and having been through the entire fight week and even with supporters staying behind him.
Advertisement
Dubois came much later and appeared in a small interview this week. Again, he was typically spare with his words.
“I know him now and I know what to expect. I’m ready to go and do my job,” said London. “I’m ready to tear up. Let’s go.”
The drama was not removed in the obligatory face, despite the fierce rivalry that developed between them, and the two-time boxer Dubois would quickly leave the stage afterwards.
Are we seeing a trilogy?
With 41 knocks between them out of 43 victories, few expect the competition to go the distance.
Wardley, newly promoted to Ipswich Town and sporting a third kit with his name printed on his sleeve, still bore the scars of his penalty defeat to Manchester five months earlier.
Advertisement
A cut through the bridge of the nose first sustained by Frazer Clarke during the 2024 draw, he dug into Dubois and left his face badly swollen and bloody.
The missed penalty raised questions about whether his decision to help the immediate rematch would come soon enough but Wardley remains confident he can turn the event around.
“Now it’s just search and destroy,” he said.
Promoter Frank Warren announces a “blockbuster” 2027 for the heavyweight division, with lucrative bouts awaiting the winner on Saturday.
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will finally meet in Cardiff on December 11, with the British prospect Itauma set to return in January after his world title defeat by Hrgovic.
Advertisement
Warren confirmed there is no clause in a third fight between Dubois and Wardley, but the Queens Promotions boss has refused to order a trilogy if the Ipswich fighter claims his only defeat in memory.
“If that happens, it’s a natural fight,” Warren said. “That’s what’s so intriguing. Who’s going to fight next year? We want to find out who’s the best.”