Fabio Wardley’s Team Demand Stronger Referee Ahead of Daniel Dubois Rematch

Fabio Wardley’s team have called for stricter officiating ahead of his heavyweight rematch with Daniel Dubois, raising concerns about the champion’s tactics during their first encounter.

The pair are set to meet again at London’s O2 Arena on Saturday, October 17th, after Dubois secured a dramatic stoppage victory in May to claim the WBO heavyweight title.

Dubois was knocked down twice during the opening stages of their first fight but recovered to stop Wardley in the 11th round. The bout was widely praised for its intensity, although Wardley’s camp were unhappy with some of the exchanges and the way referee Howard Foster handled the contest.

Wardley’s manager, Michael Ofo, believes a firmer approach from the referee will be important in the rematch. He accused Dubois of repeatedly leading with his head and using tactics that he felt crossed the line, including what he described as an MMA-style tackle.

Ofo also questioned Dubois’ decision to take a knee during the first fight, arguing that officials should respond if a fighter deliberately uses the tactic without being hurt. Taking a knee is permitted under boxing rules, however, and the manager’s comments reflect his interpretation of the incident.

Dubois’ trainer, Don Charles, dismissed the complaints and defended his fighter’s conduct. He argued that the first fight was a heavyweight contest and said an experienced referee would have identified any genuine fouls.

Charles went further by describing the criticism as a sign of insecurity, insisting that Wardley’s team were looking for excuses ahead of the return bout.

Robert Smith, general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control, has sought to reassure both camps, stating that the referee appointed for the rematch will treat the fighters fairly.

Wardley is confident he can learn from his first professional defeat and put things right in the second meeting. According to Ofo, the boxer was already focused on correcting his mistakes the day after the loss.

The manager also confirmed that Wardley had been medically cleared to fight again, despite the punishment he absorbed in May. He believes the rematch is happening at the right time, with both heavyweights still in their prime.

With the WBO heavyweight title at stake, Saturday’s contest promises another major test for both fighters, while the handling of close-range exchanges is likely to attract particular attention following the controversy surrounding their first meeting.