Dubois weighs 251.7 pounds ahead of Saturday’s WBO heavyweight title fight in Manchester
Daniel Dubois weighed a career-high 251.7 pounds Friday ahead of his WBO heavyweight title fight against Fabio Wardley in Manchester. The extra size immediately became one of the biggest talking points before Saturday’s heavyweight clash.
Dubois appeared noticeably heavier than in several of his recent fights and showed a slight paunch during the weigh-in. Wardley, meanwhile, came in at 242.2 pounds, close to his usual fighting weight heading into the first defense of his WBO title.
The extra size on Dubois adds another question heading into a fight that already looked dangerous because of the punching power both heavyweights bring.
“They both have a 95% knockout ratio. They’re both walk-forward fighters. They don’t take a backward step, and they’re massive punchers. So you know you’re going to get something special. That’s why it’s so divided. Who is going to land that big bomb first?” said promoter Frank Warren.
Wardley said Dubois represents another dangerous test after his recent wins over Joseph Parker and Justis Huni.
“It’s not easy night’s work by any means. I’m not known for picking an easy night’s work. I’m known for picking the best challenges out there.
“Before Daniel, it was Joseph Parker. Once I’m done with him, I’ll be picking the best names out there as well,” said Wardley
Dubois sounded confident despite the attention surrounding his heavier appearance on the scales.
“I’m ready to seek and destroy. I’m ready to turn up, man. I’m on it.” — Dubois
Wardley also returned to comments he made earlier this week about not knowing which version of Dubois will show up on Saturday night.
“I think the question is, what am I facing here? I think we’ll find out on Saturday night. I stand by those words. He does vary. He does change from a 2 to sometimes 6, 7, 8, 9, whichever, and sometimes he’s done well. But you talk Usyk, for instance, he hasn’t done well,” said Wardley.
The fight headlines DAZN PPV from the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.
