Derek Chisora has weighed in on a potential clash between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, with rumours of their appealing heavyweight matchup seemingly gathering momentum.
It was earlier this month that bona fide king Oleksandr Usyk vacated one of his four world titles and, in doing so, enabled Wardley to be elevated from interim to full WBO champion.
The Ipswich man had claimed his interim belt with an 11th round stoppage victory over Joseph Parker, who tested positive for cocaine on the day of their thrilling encounter last month.
Due to his failed Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency test, the New Zealander has ruled himself out of an immediate rematch with Wardley and must instead attempt to clear himself of any wrongdoing.
As for Wardley, it would seem that a lack of interest from Usyk could see him make a defence of his WBO title next spring.
Among those being mentioned as potential opponents is former world champion Dubois, who lost his IBF belt following an emphatic fifth-round stoppage defeat to Usyk this past July.
Yet despite coming off a loss, the 28-year-old had nonetheless been presented with an opportunity to fight Frank Sanchez in an IBF final eliminator next year.
With Dubois having since withdrawn from that matchup, though, it appears that the WBO’s number-four ranked contender could now leverage his lofty position in pursuit of a showdown with Wardley.
One man who has now offered his thoughts on the potential battle is heavyweight veteran Chisora, who has also been linked to battles with both men in the past.
In an interview with BoxNation, Chisora opined that, should the pair lock horns in 2026, then the sheer tenacity of Wardley is likely to see him emerge triumphant.
“I believe that Fabio and Daniel [is a] great fight. I see Fabio winning it. Fabio’s tough. Fabio hasn’t got boxing skills; what he has is f***ing heart, bro. When you fight somebody with heart, it’s going to be a long night. He got hit [against Parker], but he carries on coming.”
As for Chisora, his next move is currently unknown, with a planned fight against former foe Dillian Whyte in December falling through.
