Once Wardley’s jab disappeared and he went into home run mode, he was essentially a stationary target for one of the hardest hitters in the division.
A major point of debate afterward centered on whether Wardley’s corner should have stopped the fight earlier, especially after the British heavyweight appeared badly hurt and unsteady entering the later rounds.
“I Actually Agree”
Davison responded to the criticism on social media and admitted he believes the fight potentially could have been stopped sooner.
“I actually agree the fight could of been stopped earlier,” Davison said.
“I did not see Fabio stumble before walking over to the doctor at the start of round 10 as ironically we was discussing with each other to ‘have the towel in hand.’”
Davison explained that Wardley appeared steadier moments later and continued responding during the fight, making the decision more difficult in real time.
“It’s such a difficult job to strike at the right time to stop a fight like that on a whim when your guy is responsive and firing back,” Davison said.
The trainer compared the situation to past fights involving other boxers he has worked with, including Tyson Fury and Leigh Wood.
It’s the “miracle” trap. When a fighter like Wardley has a history of pulling a rabbit out of a hat, like he did against Justis Huni or even surviving that draw with Frazer Clarke, it makes the corner hesitate. They start betting on the fighter’s heart rather than believing their own eyes.
In June 2025, Wardley was being outclassed by Huni’s superior hand speed and technical boxing for nine rounds. He looked spent, but that 10th-round knockout saved him.
Davison and the team likely had that exact moment in the back of their minds on Saturday. They were waiting for the Wardley moment that never came because Daniel Dubois is a much more physical, punishing force than Huni.
By the seventh round, Wardley’s nose was badly damaged and his eye was closing last Saturday night. He stopped doubling up on leads and started resetting constantly, which is a sign of extreme fatigue.
Again, the left hand was non-existent. Against a puncher like Dubois, if you aren’t poking him with a jab to keep him off balance, you’re just waiting for the lights to go out.
“Fabio Fired Back”
Davison’s defense was that Wardley was still “firing back.” The problem is that “firing back” with wild, desperate right hands isn’t the same as being competitive. It’s a survival reflex.
Referee Howard Foster is known for giving fighters every chance (sometimes too many), and it felt like the corner and the ref were enabling each other’s hesitation.
Domestic Level vs. World Level
The Huni fight showed Wardley could struggle with top-tier technical domestic/interim talent. Dubois, however, is a different animal. This performance showed the gap between a guy who is a tough out at the British level and a guy who has been in the ring with Usyk and Joshua.
Wardley’s reliance on power and bite down on the gumshield grit works until it meets a world-class jab and actual heavy-duty power.
The reality is that those extra four rounds of punishment, 7 through 11, might have taken years off his career. Waiting for a miracle that isn’t coming is how fighters get permanently changed.
“On two occasions we looked at it, but the end of the round came, and Fabio fired back and killed Dubois’ momentum,” Davison said.
Wardley’s condition became increasingly difficult to watch during the championship rounds as swelling and blood covered his face while Dubois continued landing heavy shots.
Davison ultimately defended Howard Foster’s handling of the stoppage despite agreeing the fight could have ended earlier.
“I think Howard Foster got it bang on from his terms,” Davison said.
Davison added that Wardley underwent hospital checks and stitches after the fight and is recovering following the brutal loss.
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