In just over a month, Britain’s Fabio Wardley will attempt the difficult task of regaining the WBO heavyweight world title that was taken from him by his compatriot Daniel Dubois. Despite being the underdog with the bookmakers, who currently have him at around 4/1 to win, Wardley says he is confident ahead of the highly anticipated rematch.
During yesterday’s press conference, the former world champion admitted that he has no excuses for his heavy defeat four months ago, but also pointed out that his opponent’s own story proves that it is possible to return to the top after suffering a setback:
“I have zero excuses for the loss on the night and zero excuses going into the rematch.
It’s just another chapter in the story that is my career. By no means did I expect to get through boxing unscathed – not many do. Even Daniel has proven you can take a loss and come back, he’s a two-time heavyweight champion.”
Wardley then offered his interpretation of what happened on May 9, when, after dropping his opponent twice in the opening three rounds, he was gradually broken down by Dubois until the referee stopped the fight:
“I lost a bit of, not to say the old me, but I felt a bit too comfortable with the really early knockdown followed by another in the third. I relaxed into the fight thinking I’ve done it twice and I can get him out of there,” Wardley said.
“I think I was a victim of my own success and got trigger happy. I was carried away with launching my right hand and trying to finish it. I was too relaxed, comfortable, and laid back in certain scenarios.”
Wardley and Dubois will meet for the second time on October 17 at the O2 Arena in London.