Neither Daniel Dubois nor Fabio Wardley expect their WBO heavyweight world title fight to go the distance.
Dubois, who has previously held the IBF championship, is determined to reclaim a world title belt. But he also expects to do it in style.
He has vowed that Wardley will not hear the final bell on Saturday. “I’m going to take him out, put him to sleep, take that belt,” Dubois told Sky Sports News.
“I’m just going to fight how I fight and what I do is put damage and bring the pain. That’s all I’m going to do.”
Wardley was not an accomplished amateur boxer like Dubois was but has scored standout wins as a pro, including stopping both Joseph Parker and Justis Huni.
Dubois has been equally impressive. He blitzed Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium and has twice boxed the era’s best in Oleksandr Usyk, although he was stopped in both of those bouts.
He said of Wardley: “He’s been a decent fighter, but I’m going to show there’s levels to this. But he’s been decent, take nothing away from him.”
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Trainer Shane McGuigan outlines what his former fighter Daniel Dubois needs to do if he’s to prevail in his WBO world heavyweight title clash against Fabio Wardley.
Dubois added: “You guys just watch and see. I’m going to show up.
“I’m motivated, Really motivated. I’ve come back from being champion and I’m going for it again, so I’m really up for it.”
Wardley knows Dubois is a formidable challenger. “There’s going to be a few tricky moments I’m going to have to figure out on the night,” he told Sky Sports News.
“We’re well aware that I can’t waste time. From the second that bell goes I’ll be flying across the ring and getting straight involved. So, we’ll see if he’s there to meet me.”
Wardley was upgraded from interim titlist to full WBO world champion without getting the chance to fight in the ring for the belt he now holds. The Ipswich man wants to validate his status with a win over Dubois.
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Boxing trainer Gary Logan breaks down the key to victory for Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois in their WBO heavyweight clash on Sunday.
“I think it is just that crowning moment of hearing it in the ring on the night, the belt being handed to you and hearing it all announced. I think that’s the one thing I’m missing so far,” he said.
“It’s special because, one, there’s not a long list of British heavyweight champions but all-British dust ups [for a heavyweight title] that’s an even shorter list. In a special crowd there.”
Wardley wants to continue his advance and, if he beats Dubois, could target unified champion Usyk.
“With Oleksandr himself fighting in a couple of weeks, it’s hard not to look ahead or look around at least and see what else could go on. But I’ve made sure it’s not going to distract me from Saturday night,” the WBO champion said.
“Then we can look to the future.”
