Fabio Wardley would rather be challenger than champion as he attempts to wrestle back his world title from Daniel Dubois. Wardley, 31, held his belt for just 173 days before being relieved of it by Dubois, 29, in their May slugfest.
Wardley twice had Dubois on the canvas in the opening three rounds before the challenger roared back to stop his fellow countryman. Wardley immediately triggered his rematch clause and will look to exact his revenge in London on Saturday night.
Wardley feels 'free' as the hunter
And he believes he is better placed to have his hand raised as the hunter rather than the hunted. "I really love being the challenger," he said. "It feels more natural and it feels more weightless.
"Don't get me wrong, it's fantastic being world champion. But having the belt and an undefeated record and going in with such a good fighter like Daniel holds a level of weight - and now I just feel free."
Back to familiar territory
"The talk around the fight has changed; I'm back to being expected to lose and things going worse for me. I'm the chaser and honestly that feels like the nice bit I enjoyed on my rise and on my way up. It feels great. A relaxed fighter is comfortable and confident and I think that's always beneficial, so I think that improves my chances."
Wardley has been written off for his whole career having emerged from the unlicensed white-collar scene. And after being backed to beat Dubois five months ago - he is happy to be back on familiar territory.
"It was funny because the pendulum swung and everyone said that was the one I was going to win and then I ended up losing. Seemingly it's better when I'm told I'm going to be losing, or when I'm told this is a level too far."
