Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley share a very rare thing that maybe no other heavyweight rivals that fought for a heavyweight title ever do.
In some ways the two are very evenly matched in this weekend’s heavyweight title fight.
Similar size, weight and dimensions and both punch very heavy indeed. Both can really punch when they land.
But it was pointed out today at the final press conference that the two actually turned professional on the very same date as one another.
Here’s some information you might not know about that and some other bits.
Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois – Turned Pro Same Day Facts
- Exact date both turned pro: April 8, 2017
- Who they fought and beat on debut:
- Fabio Wardley: Beat Jakub Wojcik by unanimous points decision over 4 rounds. It’s his only win that went to the scorecards
- Daniel Dubois: Beat Marcus Kelly by 1st-round KO/TKO
- Why this is rare in boxing:
- Both made pro debuts on the same date, April 8, 2017, but on separate promotions
- They now meet years later as world-level heavyweights fighting each other for a WBO title, which is uncommon for two fighters who debuted the same day
- They fight this weekend:
- Date: Saturday, May 9
- Venue: Co-op Live Arena, Manchester
- Title: Wardley’s WBO heavyweight title
- Combined KOs: 40 KOs between them from 42 wins
- Wardley record: 20-0-1, 19 KOs
- Dubois record: 22-3, 21 KOs
The difference is though Daniel Dubois has been boxing since he was eight years old.
Fabio Wardley didn’t take up boxing until later in life and turned pro at 22-years-old.
So Dubois has been in boxing far longer. All his life. Compared to Wardley.
Also Dubois has mixed in far higher class and fought way more difficult opponents like Anthony Joshua, Usyk (twice) and knocked out the likes of Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgović.
That’s the difference for us on Saturday night but a good scrap in store.
Dubois and Wardley gave their final fight predictions here earlier.
