Trainer Peter Fury has given his assessment of the upcoming rematch between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley, insisting the contest remains a fifty‑fifty proposition.
Some observers feel Dubois should be installed as a clear favourite after dismantling Wardley in their first encounter.
To win that bout, Dubois had to rise from the canvas in the first and third rounds after being knocked down by blows to the head.
The contest then turned one‑sided as Dubois employed his technical fundamentals, ultimately stopping Wardley in the eleventh round with a thunderous jab and deft footwork.
Wardley promptly invoked the rematch clause in their contract, securing a chance to regain his WBO title at London’s O2 Arena tomorrow night.
Some contend that the short turnaround could prove detrimental, while others point to his power and resilience, arguing that the 31‑year‑old remains a threat no matter who he faces.
Fury, speaking to Boxing King Media, cautioned that despite Dubois’s heightened confidence, it would be imprudent to overlook Wardley’s strengths.
“I think it’s a great heavyweight fight – Dubois has got heavy hands and a good jab as well, so it’ll be interesting.
“You’ve got to say Wardley’s got it all to do, because the confidence of Dubois will be high. And if Dubois’ super confident, he’s a problem.
“But let’s see – Wardley was able to hurt Dubois early on. I still think that fight is a 50/50 fight.”
A victory over Wardley would likely set Dubois up for a potential unification clash with Agit Kabayel or Filip Hrgovic in 2027.