Wardley vs Dubois: Daniel Dubois refuses fist bump from world champion Fabio Wardley after face-off
BBC World
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley faced off at a lively news conference in London ahead of their highly anticipated world title fight in May. The tension between the two boxers escalated when Dubois refused a fist bump from Wardley during the face-off. This refusal added fuel to an already fiery rivalry, with both fighters expressing confidence in their abilities to secure victory.
Wardley, the current WBO champion, claimed he would "flatten" Dubois if given the chance, emphasizing his knockout power and experience. The 31-year-old has a impressive record with 20 wins and 19 stoppages, including a recent title defense against Joseph Parker. On the other hand, Dubois, 28, is looking to rebound from a devastating loss to Usyk last summer. Despite his defeat, Dubois remained focused on the task at hand, stating his goal was a knockout victory by any means necessary.
The press conference took place at Dutch Hall, a historic venue in London, and saw both fighters and their teams engage in heated banter. Wardley's manager, Michael Ofo, predicted an early stoppage of Dubois, while Dubois' representative, Sam Jones, countered with similar confidence. The verbal sparring continued as Charles responded to criticism of Dubois' training setup and team dynamics.
Promoter Frank Warren stepped in to bring some order, highlighting the significance of the fight and emphasizing that the winner would prove their dominance in a major stadium event. Both camps are fully committed to their fighters, making this bout a must-watch event for boxing enthusiasts. The clash promises to be an explosive showdown, with both fighters determined to prove they are the superior boxer on the night.
This rivalry matters because it showcases the competitive spirit of British boxing and the high stakes involved in title defenses and career redemption. With both fighters confident in their abilities and backed by passionate teams, fans can expect a thrilling encounter that will shape their futures in the ring.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/25/2026