Fabio Wardley's team have levelled fresh accusations at Daniel Dubois ahead of their heavyweight rematch on Saturday, expressing concern about the tactics deployed in their first encounter and demanding stricter officiating for the return bout at London's O2 Arena.
Dubois claimed the WBO heavyweight championship in May after a dramatic encounter, rising from two knockdowns to secure a stoppage victory against Wardley in a fight that captivated the heavyweight division. The two British fighters will now settle their rivalry in what represents the first world-title rematch between two British heavyweights.
Michael Ofo, Wardley's manager, has questioned Dubois' conduct during the first fight and called for a different approach to refereeing this time around.
We're calling for a stronger referee, because it's needed. We don't want it to be spoiled by having the same antics that were displayed in the first fight.
Ofo outlined specific concerns about Dubois' fighting style, claiming the champion employed questionable techniques throughout their initial meeting.
There was a lot of leading with the head. The MMA rugby tackle. He said in a few interviews he wasn't hurt, he just took the knee. Why would you just take the knee and stop the flow of the action?
While taking a knee is within the rules of boxing, Ofo argued that fighters who do so without genuine injury should face consequences.
There should be a punishment if you're not hurt and you take a knee. He got the victory but there was a lot of dirty Dan on display.Ofo added:
Fabio's a nice guy and he doesn't say it but it's our job to put the wrongs right.
The original bout, which ended 28 seconds into round 11, was officiated by referee Howard Foster. Wardley's team expressed disappointment with Foster's management of the fight in the aftermath.
Dubois' trainer Don Charles dismissed the allegations, defending his fighter's conduct and expressing confidence in the referee's ability to maintain standards.
I struggle to find out what he means… It's a fight. That's a very top, A-class referee. I'm sure he would have picked up if Daniel was fouling.
When pressed on Wardley's camp's complaints, Charles was dismissive of their concerns.
Insecurity and weakness. You want to clutch at whatever you're going to clutch at. It's too late.
Robert Smith, general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, has provided assurance that the referee selected for the rematch will treat both fighters fairly.
The referee will look after both of them fairly.
Wardley's Fitness and Motivation
Wardley is preparing for the rematch just five months after the gruelling first encounter. Charles acknowledged the quick turnaround but expressed confidence in Wardley's medical clearance.
I'm sure they're not foolish, they would have consulted a medical expert to get some form of clearance that he's fit to fight.
The trainer also explained the business rationale behind Wardley's decision to invoke his rematch clause rather than wait for another title opportunity.
On the business front I totally understand and acknowledge why he would exercise that [rematch clause] because otherwise he would be in the queuing system where it could take him another 12 or 18 months, potentially 24 months, to be eligible to fight for another world title. So I totally understand on the business side.
Despite the loss, Wardley has shown determination to correct the mistakes from their first meeting. Ofo revealed his fighter's immediate response after the defeat.
Straightaway the next day [after the fight] he was on the phone saying: 'I know I can correct my mistakes'. 'I know exactly where I need to improve.'
At the final press conference on October 15, Wardley said he would capitalise on the two knockdowns he scored in the first fight and predicted the rematch would end quickly.
Ofo expressed enthusiasm about the rematch taking place while both fighters remain in their prime.
The doctors cleared him and there was no issue for the fight to take place. We want amazing fights so we can't complain when these fights happen. I don't think you will see a better heavyweight fight than the first one. I would rather [the rematch] happen now when both guys are still in their prime.
Fight Details and What to Expect
The fight takes place on Saturday, October 17, at London's O2 Arena, with ring walks expected after 22:30 BST, though the official time had not been confirmed as of October 15.
Beyond the rematch, Dubois has already set his sights on a future heavyweight showdown with Tyson Fury, signalling his ambitions in a heavyweight division that continues to evolve.
