Fabio Wardley manager Mike Ofo insisted an immediate heavyweight rematch against WBO champion Daniel Dubois will proceed despite doubts raised by advisor Sam Jones.
Ipswich boxer Wardley activated a clause for a swift return bout after Dubois stopped him in the 11th round in Manchester in May. Dubois became a two-time world champion in the title contest, which featured fight highlights provided by DAZN.
Wardley floored Dubois twice in the early rounds of their initial bout before being halted on the ropes. Analyst Andy Scott noted that Wardley's team felt disappointed with the officiating during the defeat.
Doubts surfaced after Dubois' advisor, Sam Jones, questioned whether Wardley should take an immediate return fight following the stoppage.
Jones told Sky Sports: "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: "He's used to making millions of pounds, so he's thinking a free shot of the world heavyweight title. It's a rematch clause that they put in, rightfully so. 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 stated that clarity on Dubois' plans would emerge soon, saying: "We'll know in more than a couple of weeks what Daniel's going to do. But if it's Fabio Wardley, I would just imagine Daniel to beat him a lot quicker this time."
Jones Questions Decision While Praising Wardley
Despite expecting another Dubois victory, Jones expressed respect for Wardley's career path. Jones told Sky Sports: "I have so much time and admiration for Fabio Wardley. He's a one-off with his lack of amateur experience. He's a 'Rocky' story."
Jones added: "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."
Reflecting on the first bout, Jones noted Wardley's power while evaluating the contest. Jones said: "But Fabio Wardley has an equaliser. He showed he can hurt Daniel. He put him down twice. But they were his only moments in the fight, in my opinion."
Jones concluded: "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."
Ofo Rejects Free Shot Claims
Wardley's manager, Mike Ofo, responded forcefully to Jones' remarks, clarifying that Wardley suffered no lasting physical damage in Manchester.
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 dismissed Jones' standing in the negotiations, stating: "If Jones was in the loop, he would know that the fight is going to take place. 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."
Addressing Wardley's condition, Ofo said: "Fabio had no major injuries, no concussion just cosmetic damage. Daniel threw everything, including the kitchen sink, and still couldn't put Fabio down. Fabio does not fear Daniel, and I fully expect him to learn from his mistakes and knock Daniel out next time."
Manager Criticises Advisory Role Ahead of Rematch
Ofo continued his critique of Jones' comments regarding the clash. Ofo told Sky Sports: "Jones' assessment holds no weight and is more a reflection of his inflated ego than of what actually took place."
Ofo added: "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 targeted Jones' authority directly, saying: "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 concluded by focusing on the upcoming event: "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."
The clash between the two camps comes as boxing scheduling for 2026 continues to take shape, with updates available via Sky Sports push notifications.
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