Dubois and Wardley at career-heaviest for rematch

ByKal Sajad

BBC Sport boxing journalist at Spitalfields Market, London

Daniel Dubois and Fabio Wardley both weighed in at their career-heaviest and promised another explosive encounter in Saturday's heavyweight world-title rematch in London.

WBO champion Dubois tipped the scales at 18st 2lb (115kg) while Wardley came in at 17st 10lb (112kg) before their meeting at the O2 Arena.

The British rivals produced a fight-of-the-year contender in Manchester in May, with Wardley flooring Dubois twice before the Londoner rallied to stop his bloodied and battered opponent in the 11th round.

"I draw confidence from the successes I had in the first fight - getting knockdowns in the first and third," Wardley, 31, said.

"I need to capitalise on those moments better. I'm ready to put on a cleaner performance."

Dubois, 29, is more than 2lb heavier for the rematch, while Wardley has added more than 6lb.

Asked for his prediction, Wardley added: "Revenge, Fabio Wardley, knockout win."

Subdued scenes at Spitalfields Market

The final pre-fight formalities took place at Old Spitalfields Market in east London, with the two heavyweights taking to the scales amid the bustle of street-food stalls and shoppers.

A couple of hundred fans gathered beneath the market's Victorian roof, some having made the trip specifically for the event while others stopped to see what the fuss was about.

It was a rather subdued affair, with a smaller turnout than when Moses Itauma and Filip Hrgovic weighed in at the same venue in August.

Wardley arrived more than an hour before the event, appearing as relaxed as he has throughout fight week and even stopping for selfies with supporters afterwards.

Dubois arrived much later and has appeared in little mood for conversation this week. Once again, he was typically economical with his words.

"I know him now and know what to expect. I'm ready to go and do my job," the Londoner said. "I'm ready for a tear up. Let's go."

There was no drama at the obligatory face-off, despite the fierce rivalry that has developed between them, and two-time world champion Dubois was quick to leave the stage afterwards.

Could we see a trilogy?

With 41 knockouts between them from 43 victories, few expect the contest to go the distance.

Wardley, sporting Ipswich Town's newly-launched third kit with his name printed on the sleeve, was still bearing the scars of his punishing defeat in Manchester five months ago.

A cut across the bridge of his nose, first sustained during his 2024 draw with Frazer Clarke, reopened against Dubois and left his face badly swollen and bloodied.

The punishment he absorbed has raised questions over whether his decision to take an immediate rematch has come too soon but Wardley remains confident he can reverse the result.

"It's simply seek and destroy now," he said.

Promoter Frank Warren is predicting a "blockbuster" 2027 for the heavyweight division, with lucrative fights awaiting Saturday's winner.

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will finally meet in Cardiff on 11 December, while British prospect Itauma is set to return in January following his world-title defeat by Hrgovic.

Warren confirmed there is no clause for a third fight between Dubois and Wardley but the Queensberry Promotions boss refused to rule out a trilogy if the Ipswich fighter avenges the only defeat on his record.

"If that happens it's a natural fight," Warren said. "That's what's so intriguing about this. Who will they fight next year? We want to find out who is the best."