Battered Fabio Wardley emerges from Daniel Dubois defeat with reputation enhanced

Every so often, two fighters can come out of a high-profile dust-up with their respective reputations enhanced.

Saturday night was one of those examples when Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois delivered a heavyweight tussle for the ages where the former’s WBO world title was at stake.

For Wardley, Dubois posed a completely different and scary challenge. This was the first time he faced a heavyweight who packed real punching power, and could inflict serious, long-lasting punishment when given the chance.

Wardley struck early on with knock downs in rounds one and three, but Dubois seized control shortly after, his jab inflicting significant damage with Wardley covered in blood because of a cracked nose along with a swollen right eye.

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Wardley and Dubois produce heavyweight epic in Manchester 

Watch the highlights below

 

 

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Following two checks from ringside doctors, referee Howard Foster finally intervened in the eleventh round, saving Wardley from himself who refused to buckle despite Dubois’ constant barrage.

There were plenty of concerns ringside for Wardley, the phrase “He needs saving from himself” becoming more common as the contest progressed, but while it may have been the right idea to stop the contest earlier for the defending champion’s wellbeing, Wardley emerged from the fight with immense respect after losing his world title and first professional fight.

Wardley’s heart stays intact despite broken body

Ahead of Saturday’s epic, Wardley has displayed immense determination when going in pursuit of the win. His victories over Justis Huni and former world champion Joseph Parker saw him snatch the win by knockout or stoppage despite being behind on all the scorecards.

If he was to do something similar against Dubois, it would have taken a special performance against ‘Dynamite’ who weighed in at a career heaviest.

Despite Wardley managing to send Dubois to the canvas on two occasions, his power did not deter his domestic rival, who brushed off the punches, recovered and stuck to his gameplan.

Unfortunately for Wardley, these were the only real moments of success. Dubois constantly marched him down with his jab and right hand often landing.

In a fight as brutal as this, battle scars would appear. First, it was the bloody nose, then the swelling of the right eye. It was clear Wardley was being subjected to a savage beating.

• Read next | Who should Daniel Dubois face next after Fabio Wardley epic? DAZN experts make their picks

Throwing wayward shots and on unsteady legs, Wardley was fading, but somehow did manage to land the odd pot shot, albeit at ringside, it felt like they had little to no effect with Dubois spurred on by the reddening and swelling face of the defending champion.

Looking up at the screens above the ring, Wardley’s deteriorating face was clear to see for the sold-out crowd at the Co-op Live, and to the amazement of everyone, he kept on going before the referee saw sense and stopped the fight.

Often fighters can be criticised for choosing to go out on their shield rather than saving themselves from life changing damage, however, with Wardley questioning Dubois’ mentality in the build-up, he could not afford to let himself find an easy way out despite him not being broken physically.

The fact he continued with a broken nose and one eye shows that Wardley is a special character at heavyweight, and can cope in the most difficult, and punishing scenarios. This is even more impressive considering he has no amateur experience.

So while the defeat to Dubois may have taken away that precious ‘0’ on his record, but Wardley has gained something bigger and better, and that is immense respect from fight fans for his heart and determination in a brawl that will be remembered for years to come.

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