Many early predictions have focused on the concept Wardley’s best path to victory is dragging Dubois right into a heavy exchange, yet the champion sees the fight otherwise and says his boxing ability has been missed.
“I actually think boxing-wise I even have a greater skill set than he does,” Wardley said to Boxing News while discussing the fight during an appearance on the BBBofC Awards. “He has superb fundamentals, but overall ability, arsenal, the entire package, I feel I’m the higher boxer.”
Wardley has often been viewed mainly through his power and sturdiness, a status built through several dramatic fights and robust finishes which have sometimes led observers to treat his bouts as tests of toughness slightly than boxing ability. That perception, he says, has followed him through most of his skilled profession.
“I feel I’m being missed barely there,” Wardley said. “But I’ve been missed for about 98 percent of my profession. No problem. We’ll keep moving and do our job on the night.”
The champion said facing Dubois reflects the identical approach he has taken during his rise within the heavyweight division. As a substitute of looking for easier title defenses, Wardley believes the matchup represents the strongest opponent available in Britain straight away.
“Probably the one and two within the UK in the meanwhile,” Wardley said of himself and Dubois. “That shows the style of fights I need, especially as a champion. I need to check myself and prove myself.”
Holding a world title has added pride to the project, but Wardley insists the mindset heading into the ring stays unchanged. A belt may raise the pressure surrounding a fight, yet he says the duty itself stays familiar.
“You understand the pride that comes with the belt,” Wardley said. “But at the top of the day, it’s still only a fight.”
Dubois enters the competition attempting to rebound after suffering a knockout defeat in his previous outing, a result that modified his immediate standing within 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 in regards to the fight may change once the motion begins. After spending most of his profession hearing predictions that underestimate his boxing ability, he sees little reason to treat this moment any otherwise.