Many early predictions have focused on the idea that Wardley’s best path to victory is dragging Dubois into a heavy exchange, yet the champion sees the fight differently and says his boxing ability has been overlooked.
“I actually think boxing-wise I have a better skill set than he does,” Wardley said to Boxing News while discussing the fight during an appearance at the BBBofC Awards. “He has very good fundamentals, but overall ability, arsenal, the whole package, I think I’m the better boxer.”
Wardley has often been viewed mainly through his power and durability, a reputation built through several dramatic fights and strong finishes that have sometimes led observers to treat his bouts as tests of toughness rather than boxing ability. That perception, he says, has followed him through most of his professional career.
“I think I am being overlooked slightly there,” Wardley said. “But I’ve been overlooked for about 98 percent of my career. No problem. We’ll keep moving and do our job on the night.”
The champion said facing Dubois reflects the same approach he has taken during his rise in the heavyweight division. Instead of searching for easier title defenses, Wardley believes the matchup represents the strongest opponent available in Britain right now.
“Probably the one and two in the UK at the moment,” Wardley said of himself and Dubois. “That shows the type of fights I want, especially as a champion. I want to test myself and prove myself.”
Holding a world title has added pride to the assignment, but Wardley insists the mindset heading into the ring remains unchanged. A belt may raise the pressure surrounding a fight, yet he says the task itself remains familiar.
“You understand the pride that comes with the belt,” Wardley said. “But at the end of the day, it’s still just a fight.”
Dubois enters the contest attempting to rebound after suffering a knockout defeat in his previous outing, a result that changed his immediate standing in the heavyweight race. Despite that setback, Wardley expects a difficult challenge from a fighter known for his punching power and physical strength.
Wardley believes opinions about the fight may change once the action begins. After spending most of his career hearing predictions that underestimate his boxing ability, he sees little reason to treat this moment any differently.
