We look at this weekend’s blockbuster heavyweight clash between Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, as well as 2 fights on the undercard, taking place at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on Saturday the 9th of May.
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This one has been billed “Don’t Blink” and that feels spot on. Between them, Wardley (20-0-1, 19 KOs) and Dubois (22-3, 21 KOs) bring a combined knockout ratio of around 95%, so fireworks are expected.
FABIO WARDLEY vs DANIEL DUBOIS – click here to bet
Heavyweight Bout – Main Event:
Fabio Wardley comes into this fight unbeaten and now fully established at world level following a remarkable rise through the ranks. The Ipswich man has consistently shown resilience and fight-changing power, most notably in his comeback knockout win over Justis Huni and his brutal stoppage victory over Joseph Parker to claim the WBO interim title.
Wardley has built a reputation as a fighter who finds a way to win. Whether hurt, outboxed or under pressure, he has repeatedly shown the ability to dig deep and produce a decisive moment.
Daniel Dubois, by contrast, is the more traditional heavyweight with a strong amateur grounding. He brings an excellent jab, solid footwork and serious punching power, and has recorded impressive wins over the likes of Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua.
However, questions remain over his resilience in high-pressure situations. Past defeats, including against Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk, have highlighted moments where things unravelled when the fight turned against him.
This sets up a fascinating dynamic: Dubois may have the cleaner boxing and early threat, while Wardley appears the more reliable fighter when the fight gets tough.
This one could be a brutal classic, but you could also miss it if you take too long to make your pre-fight cup of tea.
BETTING – click here to bet
Wardley 1.80
Dubois 2.00
PREDICTION:
This looks like a fight that could swing either way early, but over time Wardley’s durability and ability to fight through adversity may prove decisive. Dubois has the tools to win, particularly if he starts fast, but if Wardley can extend the fight into deeper waters, the momentum could shift.
I am expecting Wardley to weather early pressure and find a stoppage in the middle to late rounds.
JACK RAFFERTY vs EKOW ESSUMAN
Welterweight Bout:
Jack Rafferty makes his step up to welterweight against the unbeaten Ekow Essuman in what shapes as one of the standout fights on the undercard. Rafferty (26-0-1, 17 KOs) brings strong momentum and power, while Essuman (22-0, 8 KOs) is known for his toughness and consistency.
This is a genuine test for Rafferty at a new weight, while Essuman will look to use his durability and experience to drag the fight into the later rounds.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Rafferty 1.33
Essuman 3.25
PREDICTION:
Essuman should be competitive, especially early, but Rafferty’s power and aggression may be the difference. I am backing Rafferty to take control as the fight develops and win on points or possibly via a late stoppage.
DAVID MORRELL vs ZAK CHELLI
Light Heavyweight Bout:
David Morrell (12-1, 9 KOs) stays active following the cancellation of his planned title fight and takes on English champion Zak Chelli (16-3-1, 8 KOs).
Morrell is widely regarded as one of the top contenders in the division and brings a high level of skill and athleticism. Chelli is a solid domestic-level operator who will look to make things difficult but is stepping up in class here.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Morrell 1.05
Chelli 9.50
PREDICTION:
Morrell should have too much class across the six rounds. Chelli is tough enough to last, but the 28 year old Cuban’s superior skillset should see him dominate for a comfortable decision win, with a late stoppage also in play.
SUGGESTED BETS:
WARDLEY VS DUBOIS
Main Bet: Wardley win at 1.80
Grouped Round Betting: Wardley 7-9 rounds at 7.25
RAFFERTY VS ESSUMAN
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MORRELL VS CHELLI
Check back Saturday morning when more markets have been priced up
Note: All odds are correct at time of writing and are subject to change.
