WBO Heavyweight Title Fight Set: Dubois and Wardley Weigh In at Manchester

Daniel Dubois has weighed in at 18st, his career-heaviest weight, ahead of Saturday's WBO heavyweight world-title fight against Fabio Wardley. The event took place at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Manchester, where the two British fighters engaged in a face-off before the main card. Dubois remained largely reserved regarding a potential escalation of verbal exchanges, while Wardley, weighing in at 17st 4lb, prepared to defend his title at Manchester's Co-op Live.

The pre-fight ceremony featured a staredown on a circular, illuminated stage branded 'The Cauldron' before a live audience. Dubois stated, "I'm going to put him to sleep tomorrow," though he offered few other comments during the face-off. Wardley, conversely, targeted Dubois's previous defeats to Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk, suggesting Dubois has exposed weaknesses in his character that could be exploited.

Dubois dismissed Wardley's comments about him being a "bin man" by saying, "I'll collect the trash." Wardley noted Dubois has more experience at world title level with three fights but dismissed the idea that Dubois's record would change the outcome of the fight. The 31-year-old Ipswich fighter appeared calm and composed throughout the week, relishing the occasion as he prepared for the crowning moment of his career.

Dubois cut an imposing figure on the scales, carrying noticeable extra bulk compared to his previous maximum of 17st 10lb set during his victory over Anthony Joshua in September 2024. Within boxing circles, this is viewed as a genuine contest, with many expecting a decisive finish rather than a long battle. Both men made their professional debuts on 8 April 2017, but their journeys to the top have been very different.

Wardley's rise has been described as one of boxing's more unlikely stories, moving from working in recruitment to becoming world champion. Dubois, meanwhile, has operated at the higher level with concussive punching power remaining his defining asset. Wardley won the WBO interim title by beating Joseph Parker before being elevated to full champion when Usyk vacated the belt.

The fighters are now scheduled to meet on Saturday at the Co-op Live, with the main event set to determine the WBO heavyweight champion. Both competitors have made their professional debuts on 8 April 2017, but their journeys to the top have been very different. Wardley's rise has been described as one of boxing's more unlikely stories, moving from working in recruitment to becoming world champion.