Daniel Dubois refrained from trading words after stepping on the scales at a career-high 18 stone (115kg) ahead of his all-British heavyweight world title showdown against Fabio Wardley on Saturday.
Wardley, who weighed in at 17 stone 4 pounds (110kg), will make the first defense of his WBO belt at Manchester’s Co-op Live in a highly anticipated clash between two devastating knockout artists.
The duo weighed in at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre before facing off on a circular, illuminated stage dubbed “The Cauldron,” designed to intensify the final staredown in front of a live audience.
“I’m going to put him to sleep tomorrow,” said the 28-year-old Dubois, though he offered little more than brief answers, as he has throughout fight week. Twitching his shoulders, stretching his neck, and constantly fidgeting, Dubois insisted the “talking was done,” while Wardley rolled his eyes and smiled beside him.
The 31-year-old Ipswich fighter then aimed a dig at Dubois’ previous losses to Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk. “He does vary, but some performances he’s done well. He didn’t do well against Usyk. Once you’ve opened that door and shown that bit of your character, it leaves people like me to expose it,” Wardley said.
Cries of “Oh Fabio Wardley” rang out from several hundred supporters—most backing the champion—as Wardley raised his arms and urged them to increase the volume during an otherwise uneventful face-off.
Image source: Reuters
Image caption: Dubois has more experience at world title level than Wardley, with three fights.
Dubois cut an imposing figure on the scales, carrying noticeable extra bulk. His previous heaviest was 17 stone 10 pounds (112kg) for his career-defining knockout victory over Anthony Joshua in September 2024.
Within boxing circles, this is viewed as a genuine 50/50 contest, with few expecting to hear the final bell. Both men made their professional debuts on 8 April 2017, but their journeys to the top have been dramatically different.
Wardley’s rise has been one of boxing’s more unlikely stories—from working in recruitment and competing in white-collar bouts to becoming world champion. Calm and composed throughout the week, he appeared to relish the occasion, draped in an Ipswich Town Football Club flag as he soaked up the atmosphere. “This is the crowning moment—hearing ‘and still’ in the ring,” he said.
With 19 stoppages in 20 victories, Wardley has established himself as one of the heavyweight division’s most destructive finishers. His only blemish remains a draw with Frazer Clarke, a result he emphatically avenged with a first-round stoppage.
Dubois, meanwhile, has operated at a higher level, and his concussive punching power remains his defining asset, with 21 of his 22 victories coming inside the distance.
But Wardley—who won the WBO ‘interim’ title by beating Joseph Parker before being elevated to full champion when Usyk vacated the belt—dismissed suggestions Dubois’ resume would give him an edge. “It’s not going to change anything on the night. He can’t bring his record in with him. It’s him and me once the bell goes,” Wardley said.
