2026-04-29 10:45:29
Fabio Wardley wants a “firefight” against Daniel Dubois when they clash next month.
The WBO heavyweight world champion will make the first defence of his belt against Dubois on May 9 and is hoping to exchange powerful punches with his opponent from the opening bell.
Wardley told Sky Sports News: “We have all the intention as a team of getting straight in there and getting straight stuck in, getting into his face and making it a fight, making it a firefight.
“Just letting the guns go and seeing what lands. Because there’s no need to be hanging around. There’s no need to box and move and jab in this scenario. We’re two big guys that at any second can change the course, turn the fight on its head, whichever way around you want to call it.
“I’m not looking to waste any time and I’m hoping that Daniel’s not either.”
Wardley revealed that he deliberately picked a challenging bout against former IBF world champion Dubois as he is keen to test himself against the best fighters the division has to offer.
The fighter told Boxing News magazine: “People ask me, ‘Why fight Dubois for your first defence? You’ve had some hard fights; go for something easier.’
“No, I want real fights, real competitive fights, to test myself against the best. I will know in myself if I’ve picked an easy fight just to win and look good, and I would have less respect for myself knowing that.
“I’d rather go in with a fighter that I know is of high level, high calibre, and know I have the potential of losing, but I’d come out of that with my head held high and know I gave it my all, rather than knocking over someone just to get another notch on my record.”
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