Wardley vs. Dubois: Daniel Dubois ranks career-high 18th for Fabio Wardley fight

Daniel Dubois will not be drawn into a war of words after weighing in at a career-heaviest 18st (115kg) for Saturday’s all-British heavyweight world title fight against Fabio Wardley.

Wardley, K 17st came in at 4lb (110 kg), will make his first defense of his WBO title in a mouth-watering contest between two dangerous knockout artists at the Co-op Live in Manchester.

The pair weighed in ahead of the encounter at the Bowlers Exhibition Center in what organizers have branded ‘The Cauldron’ – a circular, illuminated stage designed to intensify a final stalemate in front of a live audience.

“I’m going to put him to sleep tomorrow,” the 28-year-old Dubois said, though — as he’s battled all week — offering little beyond brief answers.

DuBois – shrugging his shoulders, stretching his neck and constantly squirming – insisted, “The talk’s done,” as Wardley rolled his eyes and smiled beside him.

The 31-year-old Ipswich fighter then took aim at Dubois’ previous defeats to Joe Joyce and Aleksandar Usyk.

“He’s different but some performances he’s done well,” Wardley said.

“He didn’t do well against Usyk. Once you open that door and show that part of your character, it allows guys like me to express it.”

Cries of “Oh Fabio Wardley” rang out from several hundred supporters in the venue – mostly supporting the champion – as Wardley raised his arms and urged them to turn up the volume during an otherwise unpleasant encounter.