Chisora Backs Dubois to Repeat Over Wardley in October Rematch

Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley run it back for the WBO heavyweight title on October 17 at London's O2 Arena, and Derek Chisora isn't hedging on the outcome. The veteran, 36-14 (23 KO), reckons the sequel plays out exactly like the original — with Wardley's face paying the price all over again.

The first meeting in Manchester back in May was a genuine Fight of the Year candidate. Wardley put Dubois on the canvas twice inside the opening rounds before the champion, now 23-3 (22 KO), roared back to break him down and force a stoppage in the 11th. That win made Dubois a two-time world champion, and it's the sole blemish on Wardley's otherwise pristine record of 20-1-1 (19 KO).

Chisora Doesn't Buy the Sequel

Speaking on the Fight Your Corner Podcast, Chisora questioned the point of a rematch at all, predicting the same result and warning that Wardley's nose is likely to open up again just as it did in May. Back in July he'd been even blunter, saying Dubois would get it done earlier this time and arguing that the #4-ranked contender never really beat a fighter in form before landing his title chance.

Chisora's read on Wardley was pointed. He praised the 30-year-old's journey from white-collar boxing to a world title shot, but insisted Wardley has to fundamentally overhaul his game to give 'Triple D' any trouble. Stand still and repeat the same fight, and you get the same ending — that's the gist.

What the Numbers Say

There's logic behind the skepticism. Dubois finishes almost everyone he beats — 22 of his 23 wins have come by knockout. Wardley's own power is real, with 19 stoppages in 20 wins, but he's now the one carrying the fresh damage and the burning question of whether early success can translate into a full-fight solution.

For his part, Wardley wasted no time activating the rematch clause after the loss, which tells you plenty about his confidence. Whether that's belief or stubbornness gets answered on October 17. Chisora, for one, has already made up his mind.