Fabio Wardley weighs in at career heaviest for Daniel Dubois rematch: “Revenge by KO”

Sheldan Keay

Fabio Wardley weighs in at career heaviest for Daniel Dubois rematch: “Revenge by KO”
Image credit: Getty

Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley have both taken to the scales ahead of their WBO heavyweight title clash on Saturday.

The pair collide in their highly-anticipated rematch tomorrow night at The O2 Arena in London, five months on from their first bout back in May.

In a highly-entertaining affair, Dubois recovered from two early knockdowns to dominate the action and claim the 11th round knockout win, earning the WBO heavyweight title and becoming a two-time world champion in the process.

Despite concerns about the punishment that Wardley took in the fight, the Ipswich man activated his rematch clause for an immediate second meeting, as he bids to reclaim his belt at the first attempt.

The weigh-in took place on Friday, with Dubois coming in at 253.9lbs, while Wardley tipped the scales at a career heaviest of 248.3lbs.

Back in May ahead of their initial showdown, Dubois was 251.75lbs, while Wardley was 242 pounds, with the extra pounds perhaps showing that both men may be looking to utilise their power for an early finish tomorrow.

Speaking after the weigh-in, both fighters gave their final pre-fight thoughts ahead of tomorrow’s rematch.

Dubois: “I know what to expect. I’m ready to go out there and do my job. I’m ready for whatever comes on Saturday. I’m ready to go to war.”

Wardley: “It’s simply seek and destroy. All the fun and games are ticked off. It’s laser focused mode tomorrow night. I draw confidence from the first fight. The success I had with the knockdowns. I just need to capitalise better. Revenge, Fabio Wardley, knockout win.”

The winner of this weekend’s battle could go on to move into unification fights, with WBC champion Agit Kabayel and IBF champion Filip Hrgovic both declaring their interest in a future match-up with either Dubois or Wardley.

There could also be an enticing clash with Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua, as they prepare to meet for the vacant WBA ‘Super’ heavyweight title in Cardiff on December 11, while Murat Gassiev remains in possession of the WBA ‘Regular’ strap.

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