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Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United: Key stats and talking points
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Dubois rewrites quitter narrative in strangely uplifting night for boxing
TL;DR
Daniel Dubois became the new WBO world heavyweight champion after defeating Fabio Wardley in a thrilling match in Manchester. Despite facing two knockdowns, Dubois showcased resilience and determination to secure the victory in the 11th round.
Key points
- Daniel Dubois won the WBO heavyweight title.
- He defeated Fabio Wardley in Manchester.
- Dubois faced two knockdowns during the fight.
- The match ended in the 11th round.
- Dubois regained respect after previous losses.
Daniel DuboisFabio WardleyWBO heavyweight titleworld-title unification showdown
“I was in there with a live dog and I loved it,” Daniel Dubois said in the early hours of Sunday morning as, looking suitably gladiatorial without a shirt, the new WBO world heavyweight champion reflected on the monumental battle he had just shared with the valiant Fabio Wardley in Manchester. “He came to win and it was a real crowd-pleaser. We had a great fight.”
At ringside it had been a sobering privilege to see the courage and resolve of both men in a contest that captured the glory and the damage of boxing in equal measure. Dubois rose from the canvas twice, with the first knockdown coming a mere 10 seconds after the opening bell, but Wardley endured a sustained form of punishment which became increasingly worrying. He was a stricken and weaving figure at the end, refusing to succumb until the referee, Howard Foster, finally rescued him early in the 11th round.
Wardley is not a skilful fighter and he swung and missed wildly on many occasions. But he carries real power and he forced Dubois to join him in showing an iron will from the outset. Before the fourth round, and having been on the canvas for a second time, Dubois was slapped lightly across the face by his trainer, Don Charles. “I needed that slap just to wake up, to stay in reality,” Dubois said. “You can’t slip back. As a warrior you have to dig deep, go to that dark place and come out on top. I wasn’t going to be denied. I had my dad and my people in my corner and I wasn’t going to let them down.”
Dubois described Wardley as “a tough cookie” after the former champion did not go down even once despite his face being masked with blood as he shipped one heavy blow after another. “He took my shots,” Dubois said as he thanked and praised Wardley repeatedly. “He pestered me in that fight. I had to go through my inner battle, coming off the back of a loss. I was a bit nervy, a bit all over the place at the start. But I pulled it together and got the victory.”
Dubois won new respect. Last summer he lost for the third time when he was outclassed and beaten up by the great Oleksandr Usyk in a world-title unification showdown. Another defeat in his comeback bout would have been disastrous but, rather than ease himself back into competitive action, Dubois took the bold decision to challenge the previously unbeaten Wardley.
Q&A
What happened in the Dubois vs. Wardley boxing match?
Daniel Dubois won the WBO world heavyweight title by defeating Fabio Wardley in a dramatic fight that ended in the 11th round.
How did Daniel Dubois perform after his previous losses?
Dubois showed significant improvement and resilience, overcoming two knockdowns to claim victory against Wardley, which helped him regain respect in the boxing community.
What challenges did Dubois face during the fight?
Dubois faced two knockdowns and had to dig deep to overcome a tough opponent in Wardley, who delivered powerful shots throughout the match.
What did Dubois say about his opponent Fabio Wardley?
Dubois praised Wardley as a 'tough cookie' and acknowledged his opponent's ability to withstand heavy blows without going down.
