On October 17 at the 02 Arena in London, Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2 headlines a Queensberry Promotions fight card, live on DAZN. Dubois’ WBO heavyweight title will be on the line- the belt he won from Wardley in their first bout. Ahead of this anticipated rematch, former super middleweight world champion George Groves spoke on the Toe2Toe podcast, where he revealed his pick for the heavyweight showdown.
Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley set to headline on October 17
Wardley (20-1-1, 19 KOs) became the WBO heavyweight champion following his dramatic win over Joseph Parker and Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to vacate. The Ipswich fighter has recorded memorable wins during his career, with the rematch against Frazer Clarke and the dramatic win over Justis Huni standing out.
Dubois (23-3, 22 KOs) has received plenty of criticism during his career, but did show his heart and desire, with three eye-catching consecutive wins against Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic, and Anthony Joshua. He has lost twice to Oleksandr Usyk, but the win against Wardley earlier this year showed the world he has plenty left.
Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2: Groves gives his verdict
Looking ahead to Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2, Groves broke the fight down:
“I think Dubois is the better boxer. Better movement, faster hands. They both can crack, but Dubois has crazy power. I think they’ve both got great chins. You can’t fault Wardley’s chin, but Dubois got caught high on the temple, and it scrambled him, and he went down, but when you see him get hit on the button, the punches bounce off him,” said Groves.
“I think if he (Dubois) shows up, he walks it,” added Groves.
The Big Fight Weekend verdict
Looking at this heavyweight rematch, it is difficult to see what Wardley can do differently to help him turn the tables on Dubois. Despite the early knockdowns, Dubois bossed most of the fight, using his jab and landing power punches almost at will.
Wardley’s chin held up throughout, and he showed immense bravery to keep walking forward. This is heavyweight boxing, and when you have Wardley’s power, there is always a chance. “Dynamite” will still need to be switched on, because if he’s not, he could walk onto one. The Ipswich fighter needs to time his punches and not throw everything with KO intentions.
Our prediction hasn’t changed the closer we get to fight night. We are backing Dubois to win by a late round stoppage or by decision.
Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2 full fight card
- Daniel Dubois vs Fabio Wardley 2, 12 rounds, for Dubois’ WBO heavyweight title
- Bakhodir Jalolov vs Solomon Dacres, 10 rounds, heavyweights
- Louie O’Doherty vs Michael Gomez Jr., 12 rounds, for O’Doherty’s British and Commonwealth lightweight titles
- Tony Curtis vs Kerim Agius, 8 rounds, super flyweights
- Manny Safari vs Jake Pollard, 4 rounds, super bantamweights
Stay with Big Fight Weekend for coverage of Dubois vs Wardley 2, including results and video highlights, and post-fight analysis.
Featured Image Credit:
Queensberry, Leigh Dawney