Fabio Wardley hopes plucky Ipswich Town can inspire him to a second-leg comeback against Daniel Dubois. The 32-year-old will attempt to wrestle back his heavyweight world title from his British rival on Saturday night.
In May, his hometown club Ipswich clinched their return to the Premier League with a thumping win over QPR. But seven days later, Wardley failed to complete a double celebration when he was stopped late on by Dubois, 29.
Ipswich's surprise start
The Tractor Boys were tipped for relegation before a ball was kicked this season but have won three of their opening six games. Gary O'Neil's side sit 10th in the table above the likes of Manchester United, Aston Villa and Tottenham.
Two late goals against Fulham last weekend proved the perfect send-off for Wardley, who took to the pitch before kick-off. The challenger has vowed to keep the feel-good factor flowing.
"It was the perfect bit of buzz," he said. "The boys are doing their bit as well and that was pretty much the conversation during the whole time I was there. They get to tick off their game, and then next week the business is down to me. It was a bit of a fight and a scrap, they had a go at it, but it was a fantastic performance from them. It just proves us Ipswich boys have got grit until the end and it's never over until it's over."
Home advantage in London
Dubois was crowned world champion on neutral territory in Manchester five months ago. The rematch was also pencilled in for the north west, which would have coincided with Ipswich taking on Manchester City. Instead, Dubois will have home advantage in London as he looks to extend his reign.
But Wardley has enjoyed some of his biggest nights in the capital, including his come-from-behind win over Joseph Parker last year. He is confident he can right his wrongs and cause an upset on another away day.
"Everyone thought it was going to be the perfect double-header, but if anything, I'm way happier to be back at The O2," he added. "It's a home away from home for me, a very special place and a place I've had a lot of special nights.
"There were a lot of positives from the first fight. I was able to connect and I know I've got the power to knock him down. I know I can take his best shots and still be on my two feet but he seemingly can't take mine; that brings a level of confidence."
"Daniel is very good at what he does but he's not suddenly going to turn the game on its head and be really fleet-footed with a lot of head movement. He's just not that type of fighter, nor has he changed over his career. Whereas I've shown myself to be different stylistically depending on the opponent in front of me."
"It's very reassuring to know I've made the corrections, and then come out and given an entirely different performance."
