Fabio Wardley's coaching team has clarified their decision not to intervene during his heavyweight clash against Daniel Dubois, a fight that was ultimately stopped by the referee in the 11th round. Despite Wardley being visibly under pressure and having been floored twice earlier in the contest, his corner maintained that they believed he was still capable of turning the tide.
The highly anticipated domestic showdown saw Wardley start strongly, knocking Dubois down in the third and fifth rounds. However, Dubois displayed significant resilience, gradually shifting momentum in his favour as the fight progressed into the championship rounds. By the 11th round, Dubois had Wardley cornered and was unleashing a barrage of unanswered punches, prompting the referee to step in and halt the contest, awarding Dubois a technical knockout victory.
Following the fight, Wardley's coach explained that while they were monitoring their fighter closely, they felt he was still conscious and fighting back, albeit defensively. They highlighted Wardley's earlier resilience and ability to hurt Dubois, suggesting that a single punch could have changed the complexion of the fight at any moment. This stance is often debated in boxing, where fighter safety is paramount but coaches also aim to give their athletes every opportunity to win.
The bout, which captured significant attention within the British boxing scene, was a pivotal moment for both heavyweights. For Dubois, it marked a crucial victory after his previous world title challenge, demonstrating his power and recovery. For Wardley, while a loss, his performance in the early rounds against a top-tier opponent has likely enhanced his reputation, despite the eventual outcome.
The decision by Wardley's corner will undoubtedly be scrutinised by some, particularly given the nature of the stoppage and the accumulation of punches Wardley absorbed. However, the unique pressures and real-time assessments made during a high-stakes professional boxing match often lead to difficult choices for coaching staff, balancing a fighter's safety with their desire to compete to the very end.
Source: Coach's post-fight comments