Former heavyweight world champion Fabio Wardley publicly reacted to Alexander Usyk’s remarks about his boxing technique. The Briton acknowledged that he had listened to the Ukrainian champion’s criticism regarding his lead hand work and promised to sharpen his jab ahead of his next fight. The statement came amid Wardley’s active preparation for a rematch with Daniel Dubois.
“Where’s the jab?” — a remark that did not go unanswered
According to Wardley, Alexander Usyk emotionally pointed out during one of the Briton’s fights that he lacked active lead hand work. “Jab, jab, where’s the jab? Fabio, where’s the jab?” — the Ukrainian was heard saying to his opponent right in the ring. Wardley emphasized that he has no intention of ignoring the words of such an authoritative boxer, whose experience and achievements make his assessment carry weight.
“Mr. Usyk, I’m working on my jab”
“Look, given everything he has done and achieved, as well as his experience, you cannot ignore what he says. But I am not him. I have not had the same preparation or as much time in boxing as he has. Mr. Usyk, I’m working on my jab. I promise I’ll try to do better for you,” Wardley stated. In doing so, the Briton effectively acknowledged the validity of the criticism and took on the commitment to refine a weak spot in his arsenal.
The road to the rematch: what happened in May
The context for these words was the first Wardley–Dubois fight, held in May and which appeared extremely dramatic to viewers. Despite a bright start to the bout, in which Wardley sent Dubois to the canvas within the first ten seconds, the initiative was quickly seized by the Briton from the London club. Dubois inflicted heavy damage on his opponent, and the referee stopped the contest in the eleventh round, recording a technical knockout victory for Dubois. It was this loss that cost Wardley the WBO world title.
October 17: O2 Arena to host the rematch
Fabio Wardley is now actively preparing for a rematch against Daniel Dubois, which will take place on October 17 at the O2 Arena in London. For the Briton, this fight will be a chance to reclaim the lost belt and at the same time test how effective his work on the jab has been — the work he publicly pledged to focus on following Alexander Usyk’s remarks.
