Hearn says Wardley made the correct decision chasing another heavyweight title shot instead of taking rebuilding fights first
Eddie Hearn believes Fabio Wardley made the right decision by activating his rematch clause against Daniel Dubois despite the punishment he absorbed in their first fight. Hearn said heavyweight title opportunities are too important to pass up, even with Wardley entering the rematch as a clear underdog.
Hearn said critics often tell fighters to rebuild first after a damaging defeat, but argued that heavyweight boxing can change with one performance. He added that he still would not completely rule Wardley out despite Dubois being viewed as the stronger favorite this time.
Matchroom promoter Hearn said Wardley deserves credit for taking the rematch instead of rebuilding with easier fights first. He compared the situation to Anthony Joshua facing Andy Ruiz Jr. again immediately after his upset loss in 2019, saying heavyweight title opportunities are too important to pass up.
“The right thing. I think he’s done the right thing. I think it’s easy to criticize, and I’ve been there before, when I mean AJ’s a classic example, specifically after the Ruiz fight,” said Hearn to Boxing News.
“Everyone said don’t take the rematch, have a fight first, do this, do that. You have on your plate in your hand a shot to win the world heavyweight championship.
“Fabio is an underdog in that fight, but he can win. He can win that fight, and if you have a chance of winning that fight, for me, I think you have to take it.”
Hearn said that Wardley will need to make adjustments after the first fight, particularly with his jab, but said the Ipswich heavyweight is still dangerous because of his willingness to fight aggressively under pressure.
“Daniel, this time is a big favorite in the fight, but I would not rule Fabio Wardley out in this fight,” said Hearn.
“He needs to make adjustments. Usyk said it today, where was the jab? But what he’s doing is incredible. He’s always live and he’s always dangerous.”
