Boxing Apr 03, 2026

Daniel Dubois' pre-fight party 'can't happen again' says promoter Frank Warren ahead of Fabio Wardley world title clash

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
Daniel Dubois' pre-fight party 'can't happen again' says promoter Frank Warren ahead of Fabio Wardley world title clash

The pre-fight ‘party’ that took place ahead of Daniel Dubois’ defeat to Oleksandr Usyk “can’t happen again”, says promoter Frank Warren.

Dubois rematched Usyk last year, losing their undisputed heavyweight title fight by fifth round knockout.

The Briton only arrived at the venue 90 minutes before he was due to make his ringwalk and some time after Usyk had.

Dubois reached Wembley stadium late and it's been suggested that a party or gathering hosted by his father delayed and disrupted him ahead of the contest.

That will not be repeated when Dubois fights Fabio Wardley for the WBO heavyweight world championship on May 9.

"That can't happen again. The good thing is they'll be in Manchester so they'll be staying in a hotel," promoter Frank Warren told Your Site.

"When he was late getting there, I was tearing my hair out, what I've got left. I can't be arguing with everyone when he's two hours away from the biggest fight ever but afterwards we had a sitdown and said what we had to say."

Dubois wants to put that incident behind him now. "I don't want to go on about that," he told Your Site.

The heavyweight did have a brief stint with a new trainer Tony Sims, before returning to coach Don Charles.

"He's in a good place at the moment," Warren noted. "Leaving Don and then going back has been good for him that he's been elsewhere and seen he's more comfortable with Don. There's been a lot of stuff happening behind the scenes for that fight which has been well documented."

Dubois gets an immediate chance at redemption when he fights Wardley. "It's taking no steps backwards. This is the best fight for me," he said. "I'm glad he's taken it. My big chance, my big opportunity and I've got to take his 0 [unbeaten record].

"A lot has gone on behind the scenes. Now I'm going to prove them all wrong and take that belt."

He thinks Wardley is gambling on him struggling with confidence coming off a high profile loss.

But he warned: "They don't know that I'm prepared even more, better than ever.

"It's just another lesson, another milestone in my career. I have no emotions towards that. I'm looking solely towards the future.

"A perfect opponent I think, his style and the way he is, suits me perfectly," Dubois said of Wardley.

"Skills, that's what it's about, breaking him down and then taking him out. Jab, foot movement, speed and just what I do. You guys are going to be in for a treat.

"No more freezing in front of a crowd, I'm used to that now. I'm going to on top of him from the first bell.

"I'm going to do it again, win the world title and hold onto it."

He thinks a victory could well lead him to a showdown with Tyson Fury. "That would be massive, pull that one off again and back to Wembley," Dubois said.

"One fight at a time but I'll come through anyone. I'll be a force for anyone in that ring.

"There's a lot up for grabs."

But he added: "Lots of new fighters coming up as well. Not just Fury. New challenges, new prospects coming up and it's going to be interesting getting in the mix again.

"There's so many prospects so many names out there that. Pull this one off then the doors are wide open to make any big fight domestically or in the world."

Tags:

boxing news

Share this article

Related Posts

Lauren Price comes through battle to retain welterweight world titles and calls out Claressa Shields: 'Let's go!'

Lauren Price comes through battle to retain welterweight world titles and calls out Claressa Shields: 'Let's go!'

Lauren Price defended her unified welterweight world championships against Stephanie Pineiro Aquino in Cardiff.Price, an Olympic gold medallist, retai...

Deontay Wilder tells Anthony Joshua 'let's get it on' following post-fight exchange between heavyweight fighters

Deontay Wilder tells Anthony Joshua 'let's get it on' following post-fight exchange between heavyweight fighters

Deontay Wilder revealed he told Anthony Joshua he is ready to set up a blockbuster heavyweight bout after his victory over Derek Chisora at The O2 on...

Anthony Joshua makes first public appearance since close friends' deaths as he attends Derek Chisora vs Deontay Wilder fight in London

Anthony Joshua makes first public appearance since close friends' deaths as he attends Derek Chisora vs Deontay Wilder fight in London

Anthony Joshua made his first public appearance since the deaths of close friends Sina Ghami and Latif 'Latz' Ayodele as he arrived at O2 Arena to sup...

Feargal McCrory promises fireworks against Mark Magsayo in new era of boxing with Zuffa

Feargal McCrory promises fireworks against Mark Magsayo in new era of boxing with Zuffa

Feargal McCrory has teased a "fire fight" when he takes to the Las Vegas stage against Mark Magsayo this weekend. The Irishman is seeking to springboa...

Deontay Wilder beats Derek Chisora by split decision in thriller as Londoner heads for retirement

Deontay Wilder beats Derek Chisora by split decision in thriller as Londoner heads for retirement

Deontay Wilder spoiled Derek Chisora's potential farewell party as he edged a thrilling split decision victory to send the Londoner into retirement at...

Terri Harper believes Caroline Dubois 'panicked' after push | 'She didn't know what to do. She was off script'

Terri Harper believes Caroline Dubois 'panicked' after push | 'She didn't know what to do. She was off script'

Terri Harper believes Caroline Dubois has blinked first in the psychological battle ahead of their fight on Sunday.Harper and Dubois box to unify the...