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'Highly unlikely the fight will last long' - Wardley v Dubois, who wins?
Daniel Dubois would not to be drawn into a war of words after weighing in at a career-heavy 18st (115kg) for Saturday's all-British heavyweight world-title fight against Fabio Wardley.
Wardley, who came in at 17st 4lb (110kg), will make the first defence of his WBO title at Manchester's Co-op Live in a mouthwatering contest between two dangerous knockout artists.
The pair weighed in at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre before coming face-to-face in what organisers branded 'The Cauldron' - a circular, illuminated stage designed to intensify one final staredown in front of a live audience.
"I'm going to put him to sleep tomorrow," said Dubois, 28, although - as he has throughout fight week - offered little beyond brief answers.
Dubois - twitching his shoulders, stretching his neck and constantly fidgeting - insisted the "talking was done", while Wardley rolled his eyes and smiled beside him.
The 31-year-old Ipswich fighter then took aim at Dubois' previous defeats by Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk.
"He does vary but some performances he's done well," Wardley said.
"He didn't do well against Usyk. Once you've opened that door and shown that bit of your character, it leaves people like me to expose it."
Cries of "Oh Fabio Wardley" rang around the venue from several hundred supporters - most backing the champion - as Wardley raised his arms and urged them to increase the volume during an otherwise uneventful face-off.
'Like getting the vicar to swear' - Dubois finding his voice
'He can't bring his record with him' - WardleyImage source, ReutersImage caption, Dubois has the more experience at world title level than Wardley with three fights
Dubois cut an imposing figure on the scales, carrying noticeable extra bulk.
His previous heaviest was 17st 10lb (112kg) for his career-defining knockout victory over Anthony Joshua in September 2024.
Within boxing circles, this is viewed as a genuine 50/50 contest, and not one many expect to hear the final bell.
Both men made their professional debuts on 8 April 2017 but their journeys to the top have been very different.
Wardley's rise has been one of boxing's more unlikely stories - from working in recruitment and competing in white-collar bouts to becoming world champion.
Calm and composed throughout the week, he appeared to relish the occasion, draped in an Ipswich Town Football Club flag as he soaked up the atmosphere.
"This is the crowning moment - hearing 'and still' in the ring," he said.
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With 19 stoppages in 20 victories, Wardley has established himself as one of the heavyweight division's most destructive finishers.
His only blemish remains a draw with Frazer Clarke, a result he emphatically avenged with a first-round stoppage.
Dubois, meanwhile, has operated at the higher level and his concussive punching power remains his defining asset, with 21 of his 22 victories coming inside the distance.
But Wardley - who won the WBO 'interim' title by beating Joseph Parker before being elevated to full champion when Usyk vacated the belt - dismissed suggestions Dubois' resume would give him an edge.
"It's not going to change anything on the night," Wardley said. "He can't bring his record in with him. It's him and me once the bell goes."
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Battle of the heavy-hitters - Wardley & Dubois' best knockouts
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