Dubois and Wardley weigh in at career-heaviest for O2 rematch
LONDON: The Dubois Wardley weigh-in saw both heavyweights tip the scales at career-heaviest weights on Friday as the British rivals completed the final formalities for their WBO world title rematch at the O2 Arena on Saturday.
The Dubois Wardley weigh-in took place at Old Spitalfields Market in east London, where a few hundred fans gathered beneath the venue’s Victorian roof to watch the rivals go head to head one last time before fight night.
Dubois Wardley weigh-in numbers
Dubois, the 29-year-old WBO champion, weighed in at 253.9 pounds (115kg). Wardley, 31, came in at 248.3 pounds (112kg). Both men are heavier than they have ever been as professionals: Dubois is more than 2lb above his previous career-high, while Wardley has added more than 6lb since their first meeting.
The extra weight tells a story. Neither fighter is planning to box cautiously. Both camps clearly believe size and power will decide the rematch, and the fans in Spitalfields sensed it — Wardley arrived more than an hour early, relaxed and stopping for selfies, while Dubois kept his appearance brief and businesslike.
Seeking revenge
Wardley predicted he would take his revenge in knockout fashion. “It’s seek and destroy now. I draw confidence from the successes I had in the first fight — getting knockdowns in the first and third,” he said.
Their first meeting in Manchester last May was a thriller. Wardley dropped Dubois twice, including with a right hook inside the first ten seconds, before the champion recovered to stop a bloodied Wardley in the 11th round and claim the WBO title for the second time in his career. Wardley activated the rematch clause within six days of that punishing defeat.
Dubois was respectful but firm. “I know him now and know what to expect. I’m ready to go and do my job,” the champion said. “I’m ready for a tear up. Let’s go.”
The champion holds a record of 23 wins and three defeats from 26 fights; Wardley stands at 20-1-1.
How to watch
The rematch headlines a stacked card at the O2 Arena on Saturday, October 17. The main card begins at 7pm UK time, with the fight broadcast live on DAZN in the UK and US.
The undercard includes British and Commonwealth lightweight champion Louie O’Doherty against Michael Gomez Jnr, Uzbek heavyweight Bakhodir Jalolov against Solomon Dacres, and an all-British super-featherweight clash between Nelson Birchall and Levi Giles.
Wardley told us earlier this week that he felt great ahead of the rematch, and the weigh-in backed up his confidence. Five months after one of the fights of the year, the heavyweight division gets its sequel — and this time, both men are bringing more of everything.
The original reporting on this development was published by Geo Super and Reuters. Undercard details via FightMag.
FAQ
What did Dubois and Wardley weigh?
Dubois weighed 253.9lb (115kg) and Wardley 248.3lb (112kg) — both career-heaviest weights.
When is the Dubois vs Wardley rematch?
Saturday, October 17, at the O2 Arena in London. The main card starts at 7pm UK time.
What happened in the first fight?
Dubois was knocked down twice in Manchester last May but recovered to stop Wardley in the 11th round, winning the WBO heavyweight title for the second time.
How can I watch Dubois vs Wardley 2?
The fight is broadcast live on DAZN in the UK and US, with the main card starting at 7pm UK time (11pm PKT).
