Many early predictions centered on the assumption that Wardley’s best path to victory was to engage Dubois in a heated exchange, yet the champion sees the fight differently and claims his boxing skills have been overlooked.
“I actually think I have a better skill set than him when it comes to boxing,” Wardley told Boxing News while discussing the fight during an appearance at the BBBofC awards. “He has a very good fundamentals, but overall, the skills, the arsenal and the whole package, I think I’m the better boxer.”
Wardley was often viewed primarily for his strength and endurance, a reputation built on several dramatic fights and powerful finishes that sometimes led observers to treat his attacks as tests of endurance rather than boxing skill. As he claims, this belief accompanied him for most of his professional career.
“I think I get overlooked a little bit there,” Wardley said. “But I’ve been passed over for about 98 percent of my career. That’s okay. We’ll keep going and get the job done tonight.”
The champion said the confrontation with Dubois reflected the same approach he took during his heavyweight career. Rather than look for an easier title defense, Wardley believes this fight represents the strongest opponent currently available in the UK.
“Probably one and two in the UK at the moment,” Wardley said of himself and Dubois. “It shows what kind of fights I want, especially as a champion. I want to test myself and prove that I’m ready for it.”
Holding a world title has added pride to the task, but Wardley insists the mindset before stepping into the ring remains unchanged. The belt may add tension to a fight, but he says the task itself remains familiar.
“You understand the pride that comes with the belt,” Wardley said. “But at the end of the day, it’s still just a fight.”
Dubois enters the competition looking to bounce back from a knockout loss in his previous outing, which changed his immediate position in the heavyweight race. Despite this defeat, Wardley expects a tough challenge from a fighter known for his punching power and physical strength.
Wardley believes that opinions about the fight may change once action begins. After spending most of his career listening to predictions that underestimate his boxing ability, he sees no reason to treat this moment any differently.
Olly Campbell is a boxing journalist covering this sport since 2014, providing reports from the ring and technical analyzes of the most essential fights. His work focuses on fighter tendencies, tactical adjustments and the details that shape high-level competition.