Thirteen boxing figures have made their predictions for Saturday's rematch between Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley at London's O2 Arena, with a clear favourite emerging. 'Dynamite' won the first meeting in May by late stoppage to claim the WBO heavyweight belt, ending Wardley's undefeated record. Dubois will aim to secure back-to-back victories for the first time in over two years.
Consensus favours Dubois
Mirror Fighting has compiled the predictions of major boxing personalities, with Dubois the overwhelming choice. Eddie Hearn, who backed Wardley in the first fight, said: "I backed Fabio to win that [first] fight, right? It was the first time I ever backed him to win in the last five fights that he has been in – and he lost, but he was incredible." He added: "I think that he is a massive underdog in the second fight."
Carl Froch said on his Froch on Fighting YouTube channel: "When I look at Fabio Wardley, he took a lot of damage in that [first] fight, and Daniel Dubois actually finished strong, stood proud and was full of energy. In the rematch, I just think Daniel Dubois’ got an extra 10 per cent over Wardley and I think that’ll be enough." He predicted Wardley "will probably get stopped again."
Predictions from champions
Derek Chisora told talkSPORT: "I think that this is Wardley’s last fight. I don’t think that he wants to box anymore. This is his cash out. After three rounds, Daniel’s going to win it by knockout."
David Haye, however, backed Wardley, saying on Seconds Out: "[Wardley] is a very tough man, he's a warrior. We've seen that time and time again, win or lose, he's laying it all out on the line." He added: "I think it'll be a lot closer [this time]. I don't think Fabio will be making the same basic, novice mistakes he was making first time around."
Spencer Oliver told talkSPORT: "My prediction for the fight is that Daniel Dubois wins the rematch much more comfortably than he did in the first fight. He has grown as a fighter both physically and mentally, and he is going from strength to strength. It's going to be a tough night for Fabio Wardley."
More backing for Dubois
WBC heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel told Playbook Boxing: "I think maybe Daniel win but this is heavyweight boxing." He noted Wardley's chance but said: "Fabio lost this fight on his jab. He forgot his jab, he came only with the right hand. When Fabio makes this better in the second fight, he can beat him."
Tony Bellew, speaking to DAZN, said: "I need to see what Fabio's got left. That's a hard one...I'm not gonna lie, if Fabio comes back fully, he's a dangerous man, because he's so brave. And when Daniel is having success, he's a monster. It's a really, really hard fight."
Johnny Nelson said on talkBOXING: "It's about levels and [their last fight] shows quite clearly that Daniel's is way above Fabio's. I think Fabio is going to box so much better but Daniel is going to step it up even more."
Darren Barker told DAZN: "Fabio Wardley's an absolute machine, one of the toughest men out there. You'd want him on the front line." He added: "But I just feel Dubois has found a new confidence. He's exorcised those demons from when the word ‘quit’ was being thrown around."
George Groves, speaking on Sky Sports' Toe2Toe podcast, said: "Dubois is the better boxer, you know. [He has] better movement, faster hands. I mean they both can crack but you think Dubois has got crazy power." He warned: "If he shows up, he walks it."
Steve Bunce wrote in his BBC Sport column: "Wardley is taking an enormous gamble. His nose was badly damaged in the first fight, and the cut across its bridge is an old wound that has reopened before." He added: "If he stops Wardley again in another spectacular fight, I would argue he becomes the most marketable heavyweight in the division."
Fighters' own views
Wardley said: "I've not made a career out of going to points. I've made a career out of finishing fights before the bell. I had it done almost in the first round of our fight, almost in the third round. We'll pick apart those moments, pick apart you stylistically, what worked and what didn't work, and within the first quarter of the fight, you'll be gone."
Dubois said: "A win by any means necessary. I respect you. You're a good gladiator, a good dance partner, but I'm going to win."
The final score from the predictions is Dubois 9-2 Wardley.
