Many questioned whether Wardley could reach world level earlier in his career, but knockout wins over Justis Huni, Frazer Clarke, and Joseph Parker changed that view. He now enters the Dubois fight unbeaten and carrying a reputation as one of the division’s most dangerous finishers.
Jones believes Dubois has the cleaner boxing ability, but says that edge may not matter if the fight reaches the second half.
“Fabio Wardley is a very, very tough customer. I’ve learned to love watching Fabio, and I refuse to ever count him out again,” Jones said to Grosvenor Casinos.
“Dubois probably is the better boxer, but he had better get Fabio out early, because if the fight gets past round seven, it becomes a Fabio fight.
“Fabio is a modern-day George Foreman. If Fabio gets to round 7 or 8, you can pretty much kiss the baby goodbye.”
Dubois has not fought since his stoppage loss to Usyk, and this bout gives him a direct route back into the heavyweight title picture. Wardley, though, has become known for finding a finish even in difficult fights. If Dubois cannot hurt him early, Jones believes the danger will only grow as the rounds pass.
Wardley has developed this “zombie” quality where he takes heavy shots, looks like he might be fading, and then suddenly finds a massive finishing blow when his opponent is gassing out. The wins over Frazer Clarke and Joseph Parker proved he can handle world-class power and still be the stronger man in the final minutes.
Calling him a “modern-day George Foreman” might be a stretch when looking at the technical side. Wardley’s defense can be wide open, and while he’s durable, he isn’t exactly the immovable object Foreman was.
Dubois has “cleaner” boxing, as Jones noted, but he tends to fight in spurts. Wardley’s pressure is constant, which is where the Foreman comparison actually holds water.
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