Manchester is set to stage its sixth heavyweight world title fight as Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois clash for the WBO belt — and former cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson has weighed in on the showdown.
Dubois lost his IBF world title when he rematched Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed throne back in July, but ‘Triple D’ is set to jump right back into a fifth career world title bout, as he challenges new champion Wardley on British soil.
As for Wardley, despite being the reigning world champion, this will be the Ipswich fan-favourite’s first world title affair, after being elevated to a full titleholder in the aftermath of his triumph over Joseph Parker – where he claimed the WBO Interim belt.
In a challenging voluntary defence, Wardley has opted to prove his credentials by taking on a fellow Brit who was recognised as a legitimate heavyweight world champion during his reign with the IBF title last year.
Speaking to RS Boxing, Nelson admitted that he gives Dubois the edge, but recognised the talent of Wardley, labelling the 31-year-old as a ‘very clever fighter’.
“It’s a tough one, I would lean towards Daniel Dubois but then Fabio Wardley is a very clever fighter. He is a fighter that knows how to navigate himself though tough times, hard times, rough times. It’s a pick ‘em, it will be a wicked fight, either way.
“Right now, I’m going to say Daniel [will win], but my mind could be changed tomorrow.”
Wardley-Dubois takes place at the Co-op Live Arena on Saturday, May 9, and will be available to watch live on DAZN PPV.
