Daniel Dubois Says He Dominated Fabio Wardley In Sparring

Former champion recalls early sessions before May bout

Daniel Dubois says he dominated Fabio Wardley in past sparring sessions. The comment shifts attention toward their shared gym history ahead of their May fight in Manchester.

Wardley heads into May 8 in Manchester as WBO heavyweight champion, with Dubois in the opposite corner. He picked up the belt after Usyk vacated and selected Dubois for his voluntary defense. It is a demanding first defense as titleholder against a fighter who has already held a world belt. Dubois has held a world title and carries real power at this weight, so there is danger attached to the choice.

Dubois told talkSPORT he “was dominating him at the time” when they shared rounds “years ago.” He added Wardley “has come on so much since then” and called this fight “a different story now.” No dates. No camp details. Just memory and confidence.

Dubois has lived through hard nights. He won the IBF belt and lost it. He was stopped twice, most recently by Usyk inside five rounds at Wembley last July. That result still follows him into every negotiation.

He could have taken a stay-busy fight. He chose a title shot. That tells you where his head is.

He is back with Don Charles, the trainer who guided him to a belt and shared in its loss. They know what championship rounds feel like. They also know what it costs when the jab is second-best and the feet are late.

Wardley is unbeaten and has improved in real fights, not just sparring stories. He works behind his jab, keeps his composure, and carries power late. Manchester will not care what happened years ago behind closed doors.

If Dubois can set his feet and let his right hand go with authority, he makes this dangerous. If Wardley establishes range and keeps him turning, it becomes a long night for the challenger.

The gym talk is finished. The belt is on the line.