Dubois Declines Wardley’s Fist Bump at Kickoff Presser

Daniel Dubois made it clear he isn’t coming to Manchester to share a moment with Fabio Wardley. When Wardley offered a fist bump at the end of the face-off, Dubois didn’t meet it and stepped away smiling.

The clip from Tuesday’s kickoff press conference quickly moved around online. Wardley put his fist out and held it there for a moment. Dubois stayed where he was and did not step forward. It was brief, but it matched the way he spoke throughout the event.

“I’ve got to take his 0,” Dubois said. “I’m going to be the first man to do it.” Asked for a prediction, he added, “Victory by knockout.”

No long speeches. Just power and outcome.

Wardley answered in kind when talk turned to Dubois’ camp adjustments.

“One trainer, two trainer, no trainers, I couldn’t give a [expletive],” Wardley said. “He’s not going to get in the ring and help him. The bell’s going to go. It’s going to be me and Daniel.”

Wardley also reminded the room this is a voluntary defense. “I picked him out,” he said. “That’s the best name on the list. That’s the best fighter available.” He wants the credit attached to a recognized heavyweight, not a keep-busy opponent.

Dubois carries heavy straight-line power, especially with the right hand over the top. When he works behind a firm jab and commits to body shots, he is dangerous. Wardley fights with confidence in close and will meet him in the center. He has shown he can recover and fire back in exchanges. The question is who holds shape when the pace tightens and the shots land clean.

From a divisional standpoint, a voluntary defense keeps Wardley active but does not secure mandatory ground. A win over Dubois strengthens his standing with the sanctioning bodies. A loss reshuffles his position. For Dubois, beating an unbeaten titleholder puts him back in the immediate title conversation.

“By any means necessary,” Dubois said. “It’s called Don’t Blink for a reason.”

Wardley’s promise was simple. “I promise you your man will be taking the first step back.”

The fists were not touched. May 9 will settle it.