Offensive to call it a free shot!' Dubois-Wardley rematch row erupts

Fabio Wardley's manager Mike Ofo has launched a scathing response after Daniel Dubois' advisor Sam Jones raised doubts about the heavyweight rematch. <p>Wardley activated a clause for an immediate rematch after Dubois claimed the WBO heavyweight title with an 11th round stoppage win in a thrilling fight in Manchester in May.</p><p>The Ipswich boxer had floored Dubois twice in the early rounds before being halted on the ropes, but Jones has questioned Wardley's desire to take a swift return bout.</p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/boxing">Latest boxing headlines, reports, highlights and interviews</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/13491463/boxing-2026-fight-schedule-and-latest-results-tyson-fury-oleksandr-usyk-katie-taylor-and-more">Boxing in 2026: Key dates, results and upcoming schedule</a></strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.sky.com/tv/sports?dcmp=Ilc_skysports_nc_articlelink" target="_blank">Get Sky Sports</a> or <a href="https://www.nowtv.com/watch-sky-sports-online?DCMP=ilc_skysports_nc_articlelink" target="_blank">stream boxing and more with no contract</a></strong></li></ul><widget id="3"></widget><p>Jones told Sky Sports: "I don't think it's a wise decision, but when it's a free shot at the world heavyweight title, he's probably thinking, 'I don't want to come back and have a comeback fight for not so much good money'.</p><p>"He's used to making millions of pounds, so he's thinking a free shot of the world heavyweight title.</p><p>"It's a rematch clause that they put in, rightfully so. I'd have done exactly the same. But when you take a hiding like that, it can be dangerous. But let's see what happens.</p><p>"We'll know in more than a couple of weeks what Daniel's going to do. But if it's Fabio Wardley, I would just imagine Daniel to beat him a lot quicker this time."</p> <widget id="1"></widget><p>Wardley's manager Ofo insists the rematch will go ahead and clarified that Wardley did not sustain any serious injuries in the first fight.</p><p>Ofo told Sky Sports: "I find it offensive to call it a "free shot."</p><p>"If anyone had a free shot, it was Daniel coming off a loss to Usyk.</p><p>"If Jones was in the loop, he would know that the fight is going to take place. Fabio is still firmly in the driver's seat while Jones is not even a passenger in the car from the content of his bleating.</p><p>"Fabio had no major injuries, no concussion just cosmetic damage. Daniel threw everything, including the kitchen sink, and still couldn't put Fabio down. Fabio does not fear Daniel, and I fully expect him to learn from his mistakes and knock Daniel out next time."</p> <widget id="2"></widget><p>Jones remains confident that Dubois will emerge victorious when he resumes his rivalry with Wardley.</p><p>"I have so much time and admiration for Fabio Wardley," said Jones. "He's a one-off with his lack of amateur experience.</p><p>"He's a 'Rocky' story. But I just believe that Daniel is a better fighter than Fabio Wardley, better fundamentals, bigger puncher, stronger than him. I just think Daniel Dubois is better than him.</p><p>"But Fabio Wardley has an equaliser. He showed he can hurt Daniel. He put him down twice. But they were his only moments in the fight, in my opinion.</p><p>"I think Daniel ended up giving him a right beating in the fight. Let's see what happens. But Fabio's a really good man. I wish him all the best. If he fights Daniel next, we'll see him soon.</p><p>"If he doesn't, then I wish him all the best in his amazing career."</p> <widget id="4"></widget><p>But Ofo has backed Wardley to regain his WBO belt with an emphatic victory.</p><p>"Jones' assessment holds no weight and is more a reflection of his inflated ego than of what actually took place," said Ofo.</p><p>"What is cogent is that it was a great fight between two warriors, and Fabio has every intention of winning his belt back in dramatic fashion.</p><p>"Jones is just a ventriloquist's dummy for Stan Dubois, doing what he's told. He's only licensed to talk rubbish as he's not a licensed boxing manager.</p><p>"But it's not about us; the focus should be on the fighters and the rematch, which is going to be another fight of the year and nobody will be disappointed."</p>

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