Daniel Dubois’ ex-coach reveals ‘big problem’ that could cost him in Fabio Wardley fight

Daniel Dubois has all the tools to beat Fabio Wardley comfortably, but he won’t utilise them.

That is the opinion of ‘Triple D’s’ former trainer Shane McGuigan.

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The esteemed British coach worked with Dubois for four stoppage wins over Bogdan Dinu, Joe Cusumano, Trevor Bryan and Kevin Lerena between 2021 and 2022.

They would subsequently go their separate ways ahead of Dubois’ first defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in August 2023, with Don Charles taking over the hot seat.

Under Charles’ guidance, Dubois strung together a trio of impressive knockout wins over Jarrell Miller, Filip Hrgovic and Anthony Joshua, culminating in a short reign as IBF heavyweight champion.

While he would eventually drop the black and gold strap to Usyk in a rematch last July, he has since been handed an immediate title shot against WBO heavyweight champion Wardley on May 9.

McGuigan, who still trains Daniel’s sister Caroline, believes his former pupil far outweighs Wardley in terms of skill, but insists his reluctance to follow instructions could cost him.

Daniel Dubois’ ‘big problem’

“I think it benefits Fabio Wardley if they’re having a shootout,” McGuigan told Sky Sports.

“I could be sat right in front of Daniel and tell him, ‘box his ears off and just use your jab’, because Daniel has the fundamentals.

“He’s got the feet, he’s got great balance, he’s an amazing athlete, he’s got a phenomenal jab which is more powerful than his right hand; it’s ridiculous. It’s like a horse hitting you every time.

“But he will not listen. Tell him to just use his jab and make it boring.

“[He will then think] ‘I’m going to go for it.’ That’s the truth.

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“The biggest problem with this fight is Daniel’s mindset.

“If he can get it into his head that he has to box and make it, not boring, but just win it on the jab, he wins the fight very comfortably.

“But he will not; he will go straight for him, and that means he’ll either knock him out or get knocked out.” 

There is certainly some legs in what McGuigan is saying.

Wardley is a fighter who has been forged in the fire.

The 31-year-old thrives in a slugfest and has the one-punch knockout power to switch off any heavyweight’s lights.

He can, though, be outboxed, as was evident in his come-from-behind stoppage win over Justis Huni last June.

Boxing schedule

For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s  boxing schedule.