“It’s way too early for all of this. Last time I saw him, we shook hands. We congratulated each other on a great fight. I lost and took it on the chin, but then he turned up with a bit of attitude. I was like, ‘Hang on, what’s going on here?’ But if that’s what he needs to do to get himself geared up for another fight, if you know what war you went through last time, if that’s what he’s got to do to get himself in the right frame of mind, then be my guest. I’m just going to stay cool as a cucumber,” Wardley said to DAZN.
Confidence comes partly from Wardley’s two fights with Frazer Clarke. Their first meeting ended in a draw after 12 exhausting rounds, but he changed his approach and demolished Clarke in the opening round of their second encounter.
That comparison also exposes the danger in Wardley’s thinking. An explosive start solved the Clarke puzzle, but it contributed to his defeat against Dubois. After dropping Dubois twice, Wardley burned through his energy trying to force the stoppage. His output and defensive discipline declined as the rounds passed, allowing Dubois to take control with his jab before finishing an exhausted opponent.
Those knockdowns also demonstrated that hurting Dubois does not guarantee he will unravel. He used the jab to regain his balance, interrupt Wardley’s attacks, and buy the recovery time needed to survive the crisis. Clarke never received that opportunity in his rematch.
A different result will require more than another fast start. Wardley must shorten his right hand, recover his guard after throwing it, and resist loading up during pocket exchanges. His eagerness to finish left his head exposed to Dubois’ counters throughout their first fight.
The decisive adjustment will be psychological as much as technical. Wardley cannot allow two knockdowns, another roaring crowd, or Dubois showing vulnerability to convince him the fight is already won. Remaining “cool as a cucumber” during a face-off is easy. Maintaining that restraint after hurting Dubois will determine if the rematch produces a different result.
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