Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley provided boxing fans with a Fight of the Year contender on Saturday, and former heavyweight world champion Frank Bruno has shared his thoughts on the contest.
Whilst the card was billed as ‘Don’t Blink’, those in attendance got more than they bargained for – treated to 11 rounds of enthralling action, as Dubois twice picked himself up off the canvas to eventually halt Wardley and become a two-time heavyweight ruler.
Fans around the globe have hailed the scrap as one of boxing’s best, with Wardley earning credit for his tremendous heart and stubbornness, despite losing his WBO crown and suffering the first defeat of his professional career.
On X, Bruno heaped further praise onto the British duo, but admitted that he feels as though the fight should have been stopped sooner, concerned that Wardley took needless damage from Dubois in what proved to be the final couple of rounds.
“Afternoon, my office reminded me of predictions I made about Daniel in 2019 (I’ll let you look them up!).
“Well last night’s fight – it was an epic war, I’m not sure I have seen such a, well words escape me, heroic, magnificent, glorious, legendary, fight in years.
“I did feel the fight should have been stopped possibly earlier, but what a fight, I am glad Daniel listened to all my advice over the years, hehe!
“His dad I met many years ago when we both used to go roller skating who told me about his amazing Son who one day would be a World Champion boxer.
“I laughed when I saw his Dad still giving fatherly advice in no uncertain terms!”
For both Dubois and Wardley, a rest is no doubt needed, but already there is talk of ‘Triple D’s first defence, with Moses Itauma mentioned. Should the rising contender pursue a different belt, the new champion will look at others in the top 10, including Deontay Wilder or a rematch with Filip Hrgovic, should he beat Dave Allen this weekend.
