On October 17 at the O2 Arena in London, Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2 headlined a Queensberry Promotions fight card, live on DAZN pay-per-view. The main event was for Dubois’ WBO heavyweight title. Their first fight was a war, but in the rematch Dubois was cold and calculated, winning by second-round TKO, retaining his WBO crown. Reflecting on the fight, Carl Froch has given his verdict on the outcome, via his Froch on Fighting channel.
Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2 recap
Dubois looked razor-focused all week, and Wardley (20-2-1, 19 KOs) did look relaxed, but many felt “Dynamite” would get the win even quicker this time. Dubois (24-3, 23 KOs) flew out of the blocks this time, landing a big right hand, knocking the Ipswich fighter down, and stunning everyone in the O2 Arena.
Dubois couldn’t miss in the first round; his jab and right hand peppered Wardley, who was unable to settle and establish his own jab. Wardley ultimately survived the first three minutes, but the end was nigh. Dubois began the second round quickly and began to tee off on Wardley, who couldn’t do anything to keep his opponent off him. A brutal uppercut landed flush on Wardley, and the towel quickly came in from Ben Davison, which the referee accepted and waved the bout off, ensuring Dubois retained his WBO title by second-round TKO. A brutally efficient performance from Daniel Dubois, who spoke after the fight about unification opportunities.
Carl Froch reflects on Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2
Speaking on his Froch on Fighting channel, Carl Froch reflected on Daniel Dubois’ brutal stoppage win:
“He (Fabio Wardley) was almost just waiting to get hit. He said he didn’t execute the game plan. I’d like to know what the game plan was. Maybe he’s not recovered from that first fight. I said there was enough time. Five months- that’s probably enough to heal the superficial wounds, his nose and that, and get his head set up, get his head straight from the first fight
“If he didn’t fight Daniel Dubois in this rematch, he’s not really got mega options, has he? He’s got nowhere really to go, so why not take the biggest payday, try and become a world champion again, and have a go. Dare to be great, so I’m going to give him a lot of credit for that.
“But in terms of the performance, it was very disappointing.”
Featured Image Credit:
Queensberry, Leigh Dawney