Tension escalates ahead of the WBO heavyweight title fight between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, set for May 9 at Co-op Live in Manchester. A controversial remark by Wardley regarding Dubois’s potential career outside boxing has added fuel to their rivalry.
Wardley, who will defend his WBO heavyweight title for the first time, made headlines with his comment: “If he wasn’t a boxer, I think he might just be a bin man or something like that.” This statement has drawn sharp criticism from Dubois and his trainer, Don Charles.
Dubois responded, stating, “Really, it’s disrespect, but we’ll address that in the ring.” The animosity is palpable as both fighters prepare for what is being billed as ‘Don’t Blink,’ a fitting name given their combined knockout power—40 KOs between them.
Key facts:
- Wardley secured the WBO interim title with an 11th-round stoppage over Joseph Parker in October.
- Dubois suffered a knockout loss to Oleksandr Usyk last July.
- Wardley boasts a record of 20 wins, no losses, and one draw with 19 KOs.
- Dubois holds a record of 22 wins and 3 losses, with 21 KOs.
The fight is generating buzz not just for its stakes but also for its implications within British boxing. In a sport where rivalries can ignite fierce competition, this matchup is no exception. Both fighters are eager to prove their worth on a grand stage.
The undercard is set to begin at approximately 6 p.m. BST, with ring walks expected around 11 p.m. BST. Fans will need a subscription to DAZN to catch the action live; the pay-per-view cost is £24.99 for this highly anticipated event.
As the date approaches, reactions continue to pour in from fans and pundits alike. The question remains—how will this tension play out once they step into the ring?