It’s different – Daniel Dubois says Fabio Wardley luck will run out this weekend
By George Sessions, Press Association
Daniel Dubois has promised to dethrone “lucky” Fabio Wardley in Manchester on Saturday night and become a two-time world heavyweight champion.
The WBO belt will be on the line at Co-op Live when Dubois attempts to bounce back from the third defeat of his career against Wardley, who entered the sport through white-colour boxing but has since enjoyed a meteoric rise.
Wardley (20-0-1, 19KOs) has been behind in recent wins over Joseph Parker and Justis Huni before he produced dramatic late stoppages, but Dubois (22-3, 21KOs) was eager to remind his domestic rival of the one-sided nature of their past sparring sessions.
Daniel Dubois vs Anthony Joshua produced some incredible reactions 🤣#WardleyDubois | May 9 | @thecooplive, Manchester | Live on @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/97g7OB2kGQ
— Queensberry Promotions (@Queensberry) May 1, 2026
“We were in for good old tear-ups, but I was the one in charge and I’m going to be doing it again. It will be the same story and I’ll be a two-time champion of the world,” former IBF-belt holder Dubois reflected.
“He’s been lucky up until now, he’s been lucky. I’m going to be the man to take his O. I’ve done it before and I’m going to do it again.
“I mean, he’s pulled it out of the bag, he’s unorthodox, so are a lot of fighters out there, they’re not used to that and that they do things just out of reactions. It’s different. I’m going to be ready for him.
“Just work off the jab, pumping that jab and getting into the rhythm. I’m going to have all the answers. Everyone’s got a plan until they get punched in their mouth.”
Dubois was required to do some soul-searching after he lost to Usyk for a second time last July at Wembley.
It proved a humbling experience against the undisputed world heavyweight champion and sparked fresh questions about Dubois’ mentality before it later emerged a family party was held on the night of the Londoner’s bout.
But Dubois insisted: “That wasn’t a factor. That had nothing to do with that (result) to be honest. That was in the past now anyway, so I’m moving on from that.
“No, there was nothing to talk about (with Dad Stan). It’s in the past now.”
Dubois was more forthcoming about his desire to claim another world title after he lost his IBF belt to Usyk, but will fight Wardley to be WBO champion.
“It’s just one of those things. It’s like a relationship ending and you know how you feel when you end a relationship, but I’m looking to get my girlfriend back,” Dubois smiled.
