Fabio Wardley's team criticise Daniel Dubois' tactics in first fight as they demand a 'strong referee' for rematch

Fabio Wardley’s team have raised fresh concerns about Daniel Dubois’ tactics in their first fight and called for a "stronger referee" in Saturday’s rematch.

Dubois rose from the canvas twice to claim a stoppage victory in a tremendous battle with Wardley and win the WBO heavyweight championship in May.

The two will rematch at London's O2 arena this weekend.

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In the aftermath of the first fight, Wardley's team expressed their disappointment about the officiating of referee Howard Foster and manager Michael Ofo has voiced further questions about Dubois' approach.

"We're calling for a stronger referee, because it's needed," Ofo told Sky Sports. "We don't want it to be spoiled by having the same antics that were displayed in the first fight."

Ofo claimed: "There was a lot of leading with the head.

"The MMA rugby tackle. He said in a few interviews he wasn't hurt, he just took the knee. Why would you just take the knee and stop the flow of the action?"

Taking a knee is permissible but Ofo said: "There should be a punishment if you're not hurt and you take a knee.

"He got the victory but there was a lot of dirty Dan on display," Ofo added. "Fabio's a nice guy and he doesn't say it but it's our job to put the wrongs right."

Dubois' trainer Don Charles told Sky Sports: "I struggle to find out what he means… It's a fight.

"That's a very top, A-class referee. I'm sure he would have picked up if Daniel was fouling."

When asked what he put the opposing camp's claims down to, Charles said: "Insecurity and weakness".

"You want to clutch at whatever you're going to clutch at. It's too late."

Robert Smith, general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, assured: "The referee will look after both of them fairly."

Wardley is going into the rematch only five months after a punishing first fight. "I'm sure they're not foolish, they would have consulted a medical expert to get some form of clearance that he's fit to fight," Dubois' trainer Charles said.

"On the business front I totally understand and acknowledge why he would exercise that [rematch clause] because otherwise he would be in the queuing system where it could take him another 12 or 18 months, potentially 24 months, to be eligible to fight for another world title.

"So I totally understand on the business side."

Wardley is confident he can avenge his first professional loss.

Ofo said: "Straightaway the next day [after the fight] he was on the phone saying: 'I know I can correct my mistakes'.

"'I know exactly where I need to improve.'

"The doctors cleared him and there was no issue for the fight to take place," he added. "We want amazing fights so we can't complain when these fights happen.

"I don't think you will see a better heavyweight fight than the first one. I would rather [the rematch] happen now when both guys are still in their prime."

(c) Sky Sports 2026: Fabio Wardley's team criticise Daniel Dubois' tactics in first fight as they demand a 'strong referee' for rematch