Audley Harrison Says Fabio Wardley Can Upset Daniel Dubois in Rematch

Audley Harrison stated in an interview with The Opening Bell that he believes Fabio Wardley has a chance to upset Daniel Dubois in their rematch at the O2 Arena in London. Harrison said of Wardley’s chances against Dubois, “I definitely give him a chance.”

Harrison expressed concern that the punishment Wardley absorbed in the first fight may have left a lasting mark. He noted that only five months have passed since their encounter. Harrison advised that Wardley must add the jab to his arsenal and make it his weapon to frustrate Dubois and make the fight his own.

Harrison noted that in the first fight, Dubois used a single and double jab to win because Wardley could not land his right hand. By the 11th round, Harrison stated, Wardley was swinging wildly with his right hand and was left bloodied, bruised, and beaten.

Harrison said, “Wardley, he’s just got to add the jab. A lot of stuff he does naturally, like he throws a good right hand, he throws a lot of nice stuff. “But the jab’s got to become his weapon. “He could be really successful if he can pop Dubois on a jab. Because remember, Dubois don’t like the jab – pop, pop – in his face. He don’t like that. He wants to get in there and have that fight. So, if Wardley has that discipline with the jab and can beat him up a bit and get him frustrated, it allows it to be his fight.”

Harrison claimed that Wardley is training with plyometrics and dynamic training, which will make him a monster in terms of fitness and conditioning for the rematch. Harrison said, “[But Wardley’s] gonna be an absolute monster in terms of his fitness and conditioning. He’s going in for the revenge, which is the mindset that you need to have.”

Harrison stated that Dubois needs to improve his technical skills by using uppercuts to the head and body when Wardley is walking in with a missing right hand.

Harrison has a record of winning all three rematches he contested in his career, avenging losses to Danny Williams, Michael Sprott, and Martin Rogan. Harrison won gold at the 2000 Olympics and retired in 2015 after winning the European heavyweight title with a victory over Michael Sprott in 2010.

Harrison stated that he thought nine months were needed before fighting again after a fight like the first one between Wardley and Dubois, but acknowledged that a broken nose settles in a month. Harrison stated that he is struggling to pick a winner between Dubois and Wardley, questioning if Dubois will get knocked down and not get back up or if Wardley will not be able to withstand the punishment. Dubois and Wardley are reportedly at career heaviest weights ahead of their rematch.

Do you agree with Audley Harrison that Fabio Wardley can upset Daniel Dubois in their O2 Arena rematch?