British heavyweight contenders Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley have arrived at their career-heaviest weights ahead of their highly anticipated world-title rematch at London’s O2 Arena this Saturday. Both fighters go into the bout with everything on the line.
WBO champion Dubois checked in at 18st 2lb (115kg), marking an increase of over 2lb from their previous meeting. Meanwhile, Wardley weighed in at 17st 10lb (112kg), having gained more than 6lb since their last encounter. Dubois, 29, is more than 2lb heavier for the rematch, while Wardley has added more than 6lb.
The two boxers previously clashed in Manchester this past May, delivering a fight-of-the-year contender. In that contest, Wardley sent Dubois to the canvas twice; however, the Londoner recovered to ultimately stop his bruised and bloodied opponent in the 11th round.
Reflecting on their first battle, 31-year-old Wardley stated, “I draw confidence from the successes I had in the first fight – getting knockdowns in the first and third. I need to capitalise on those moments better. I’m ready to put on a cleaner performance.” When pressed for a prediction, Wardley declared his intent: “Revenge, Fabio Wardley, knockout win.”
