Promoter Frank Warren has warned the disruption that preceded Daniel Dubois’ rematch with Oleksandr Usyk must not recur ahead of his WBO title fight with Fabio Wardley. Dubois arrived at Wembley only about 90 minutes before his ringwalk for the Usyk bout — well after Usyk — amid reports that a gathering hosted by his father contributed to the delay. He was stopped in the fifth round.
Warren says that kind of situation won’t be tolerated when Dubois fights Wardley on May 9 in Manchester. Because the camp will be based in the host city, fighters and team will stay in a hotel to avoid similar problems, Warren told Sky Sports. He admitted he was furious about the Usyk-night timing and that there was a frank conversation afterwards about preventing any repeat.
Dubois has sought to move on. He told Sky Sports he does not want to dwell on the past and is focused on redemption. After a brief spell with trainer Tony Sims, Dubois has returned to Don Charles; Warren described the coaching switch as positive and said Dubois is “in a good place.”
The build-up has taken on a personal edge: at the launch press conference Dubois declined to shake Wardley’s hand. Manager Sam Jones believes Dubois has the tools to trouble Wardley, while Wardley thinks Dubois’ aggressive, forward style will suit him.
Dubois has labelled the contest “the best fight for me,” vowing to end Wardley’s unbeaten run and calling the Usyk loss a learning experience. He says he is better prepared than ever and is looking ahead. Tactically he plans to use his jab, footwork and speed to break Wardley down and finish the job, and insists he will not “freeze” in front of a crowd again — expecting to be on top from the opening bell and aiming to win and retain a world title.
A successful night would reopen doors to major domestic or global fights — Dubois has mentioned the possibility of meeting Tyson Fury — though he also acknowledged a growing list of new challengers in the heavyweight division.