Fabio Wardley's manager Mike Ofo says a heavyweight rematch against Daniel Dubois will proceed despite doubts raised by Dubois' advisor Sam Jones. Wardley activated an immediate rematch clause after Dubois claimed the WBO heavyweight title with an 11th-round stoppage victory in Manchester in May, making Dubois a two-time world champion.
The Ipswich boxer floored Dubois twice in the early rounds before being halted on the ropes. Andy Scott reported that Wardley's team were disappointed with the officiating during the defeat.
Doubts Raised Over Return Bout
Jones questioned whether Wardley really wants a swift return bout after taking damage in the first fight. Speaking to Sky Sports, Jones said, "I don't think it's a wise decision, but when it's a free shot at the world heavyweight title, he's probably thinking, 'I don't want to come back and have a comeback fight for not so much good money'."
Jones added that Wardley is accustomed to earning millions of pounds and likely wants another shot at the world belt. "It's a rematch clause that they put in, rightfully so," Jones said. "I'd have done exactly the same. But when you take a hiding like that, it can be dangerous. But let's see what happens."
Jones noted that Dubois' future actions will be known in more than a couple of weeks. He predicted that if the opponent is Wardley, Dubois will beat him much quicker this time.
Despite his prediction, Jones expressed respect for Wardley's achievements in boxing. "I have so much time and admiration for Fabio Wardley," Jones said. "He's a one-off with his lack of amateur experience. He's a 'Rocky' story. But I just believe that Daniel is a better fighter than Fabio Wardley, better fundamentals, bigger puncher, stronger than him. I just think Daniel Dubois is better than him."
Jones acknowledged that Wardley possesses power capable of turning a fight around. "But Fabio Wardley has an equaliser," Jones said. "He showed he can hurt Daniel. He put him down twice. But they were his only moments in the fight, in my opinion. I think Daniel ended up giving him a right beating in the fight. Let's see what happens. But Fabio's a really good man. I wish him all the best. If he fights Daniel next, we'll see him soon. If he doesn't, then I wish him all the best in his amazing career."
Manager Rejects Free Shot Claims
Ofo launched a scathing response to Jones' comments, clarifying that Wardley sustained no major injuries or concussion, only cosmetic damage. Ofo told Sky Sports, "I find it offensive to call it a 'free shot.' If anyone had a free shot, it was Daniel coming off a loss to Usyk."
Ofo insisted that Wardley remains fully committed to taking the rematch. "If Jones was in the loop, he would know that the fight is going to take place," Ofo said. "Fabio is still firmly in the driver's seat while Jones is not even a passenger in the car from the content of his bleating."
Ofo expressed confidence that Wardley will make adjustments for the second fight. "Daniel threw everything, including the kitchen sink, and still couldn't put Fabio down," Ofo said. "Fabio does not fear Daniel, and I fully expect him to learn from his mistakes and knock Daniel out next time."
Personal Clashes and Rematch Expectations
Ofo dismissed Jones' credibility and motivation in making the statements. "Jones' assessment holds no weight and is more a reflection of his inflated ego than of what actually took place," Ofo said. "Jones is just a ventriloquist's dummy for Stan Dubois, doing what he's told. He's only licensed to talk rubbish as he's not a licensed boxing manager."
Ofo backed Wardley to regain the WBO belt in an emphatic manner. "What is cogent is that it was a great fight between two warriors, and Fabio has every intention of winning his belt back in dramatic fashion," Ofo said.
Ofo concluded by calling for attention to return to the boxers themselves. "But it's not about us; the focus should be on the fighters and the rematch, which is going to be another fight of the year and nobody will be disappointed," Ofo said.
