Two-division world champion Lawrence Okolie has laid out his thoughts ahead of Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois’ upcoming showdown for the WBO heavyweight world title, after sparring both men.
A white-collar star, the rise of Wardley has been inspirational, giving hope to boxers of all levels that they too can reach the top with the correct discipline, hunger and attitude.
After moving up to world level last year, the Ipswich fan-favourite has come from behind to halt both Justis Huni and Joseph Parker to earn the WBO Interim heavyweight title, before being elevated to full world champion when Oleksandr Usyk vacated the belt.
Now, Wardley seeks to prove his legitimacy as a world champion, accepting a difficult voluntary defence for his first world title affair, taking on fellow Briton and former heavyweight ruler Dubois.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Okolie, who has shared the ring with both men behind the scenes, revealed that he gives Dubois the edge due to his superior experience and punch power.
“I think that Dubois is going to win because he has got a lot more experience at the level and he has beaten better guys.
“I think that, stylistically as well, if they do start trading, unless Fabio is that much quicker than him, Daniel definitely punches harder than him and is more concussive, so I think he will probably hurt him.
“However, with his [Wardley’s] confidence and Ben Davison, who I think is a really good coach, they might work on the right sequences to catch Dan and if they catch Dan early and hard, then we could see a few repeats of some of his performances.
“I would be favouring Dan in that fight.”
Wardley-Dubois takes place on Saturday, May 9, at the Co-Op Live Arena, for what will be the sixth heavyweight world title contest to have ever taken place in Manchester.
