BBC revives watchalong for Dubois vs Wardley rematch
BBC revives watchalong for Dubois vs Wardley rematch

The BBC will bring back its boxing watchalong for Saturday's rematch between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley, a feature introduced earlier this year for Filip Hrgovic vs Moses Itauma.

Dubois vs Wardley is being broadcast live on pay-per-view by DAZN. The BBC holds the radio rights and will pair its audio coverage with a live watchalong on iPlayer and the BBC Sport YouTube channel.

Line-up for the watchalong

Nick Peet will be joined on the iPlayer broadcast by two-time British champion Richard Riakporhe, plus Emily Smith and Liam Gough, hosts of the BBC Sounds 'Punch Perfect' podcast. This is separate from the BBC 5 Live and BBC Sounds radio updates and commentary and will include what the broadcaster described as "live reaction, analysis, debate and discussion".

Radio coverage begins at 10pm, while the watchalong is set to go live just before the main event. Ring walks for Dubois and Wardley are expected at 10.30pm, with the first bell shortly after.

All-British heavyweight showdown

"This is a fascinating all-British heavyweight showdown with everything on the line for both fighters," BBC Sport director Alex Kay-Jelski said in a statement. "From reliving the drama of their first encounter, to following every round live on 5 Live or joining our watchalong on iPlayer and YouTube, BBC Sport will give fans multiple ways to experience what promises to be a huge night of boxing."

Saturday's fight at the O2 Arena sees Dubois make the first defence of the WBO heavyweight title he won via TKO against Wardley in May. Other fights on the main card include Louie O'Doherty vs Michael Gomez Jr. and Bakhodir Jalolov vs Solomon Dacres.

Prediction from DAZN's Ade Oladipo

DAZN presenter Ade Oladipo has tipped Dubois - who has a 22-3 career record - to defend his title. "Repeat or revenge? I guess you have to go for repeat," Oladipo said.

"Wardley had his moments in the first fight but Dubois was so dominant. Aside from the two knockdowns, Dubois was bullish, strong and aggressive. Getting up from those two knockdowns showed a lot as well.

"So I favour Dubois. We know Wardley has the knockout power but I think Dubois is the best heavyweight in the world - with Oleksandr Usyk on an island by himself and we'll wait to see what he will do next.

"Dubois is number one - with Wardley top five in the world - and I think he will take a lot of confidence knowing a) he is world champion and b) it's a very quick turnaround for Wardley who took a beating in the first fight five months ago. If I had to put money on someone, I'm putting all my chips on Dubois getting the stoppage again."

Fans can order the fight on DAZN PPV for £24.99 or watch it at no extra cost with DAZN Ultimate.