Bookmakers have installed British fighter Fabio Wardley as a slight favorite ahead of his first defense of the WBO heavyweight world title against compatriot Daniel Dubois, set to take place at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on May 9. The challenger, however, appears very confident, believing that luck has played a crucial role in the winning streak that carried his opponent to the throne.
During “Face Off,” broadcast live on DAZN, Dubois stated:
“He’s been lucky up until now. Now he needs to take his L. He hasn’t faced a fighter like me but full credit to him though. He’s come through everything that’s been put in front of him. It’s my time now. I’ve been through what I needed to. Been beat up, scars and all that. I’m experienced and ready to go.”
Dubois has not fought since last summer, when he was knocked out at Wembley, in front of a massive crowd, by Ukrainian superstar Oleksandr Usyk. On that occasion, the Brit adopted a highly aggressive approach, convinced he could impose his superior size and power. The strategy backfired, however, as Usyk exploited the openings to land devastating shots, stopping him in five rounds.
Wardley won the title when Usyk declined to face him, choosing to pursue other plans. The WBO therefore elevated him from interim champion to full world champion. Crucial to this outcome was his victory over Joseph Parker last October, which allowed him to take the New Zealander’s top spot in the rankings.
Wardley is best known for his power and his remarkable ability to turn around seemingly lost fights in spectacular fashion. Against both Justin Huni and the aforementioned Parker, the Brit had fallen behind on the scorecards before dramatically reversing the situation in the closing rounds and securing stoppage victories.
As mentioned in the introduction, bookmakers’ odds for the May 9 showdown slightly favor the champion. A Wardley win is priced at 1.80, while a bet on Dubois would roughly double the stake.