Oleksandr Usyk hands health warning to Fabio Wardley over Daniel Dubois defeat

Oleksandr Usyk believes Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois’ approach to their clash was a health risk.

Wardley and Dubois went hammer and tong in a brutal barnstormer for the WBO heavyweight title in Manchester earlier in May.

Getty

Dubois was knocked down twice before he stopped the champion with some real damaging and punishing blows landed.

The pair avoided hospital but will need to recover for several weeks after a gruelling encounter.

Unified champion Usyk watched the clash between Wardley and his former rival.

And he believes, particularly for Wardley, their lack of defence could be damaging long-term for their health.

He explained to DAZN ahead of his clash with Rico Verhoeven: “It’s a street fight. Congratulations Dubois, good job, new world champion, but Fabio, where is jab?

“Fabio, where? [He] never jabbed. Maybe once. Only right hand, only right hand.

“It’s not working. Very strong chin but I think this is a street fight, it’s a problem for both guys for the brain and health.”

Many criticised Wardley’s corner for not withdrawing him from the clash before the 11th round stoppage, as he took some huge shots.

The Suffolk slugger, though, was adamant the fight shouldn’t have been stopped.

Nonetheless, he will get his chance at immediate revenge with a sequel planned later this year.

PA

Dubois vs Wardley rematch – the latest

Wardley has now officially activated his rematch clause and will have the chance to win his belt back.

The event was mammoth last time out, and the pair’s stocks have grown further.

Now promoter Frank Warren believes the second duel would make sense for a stadium on British shores.

He told talkSPORT: “If and when it happens, it will happen some time in the autumn.

“He must fancy his chances and it will be a big, big fight and no doubt an exciting fight.

“The feedback we have had from everyone has been incredible, I think it will wind up in a stadium.

Watch Boxing on DAZN

*If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue

Sign up to DAZN to access the definitive subscription for boxing fans.

Upgrade to DAZN Ultimate from just £24.99/month, guaranteeing access to 185+ fights annually, a minimum of 12 pay-per-views at no extra cost, as well as every Lega Serie A match and other elite football access.

Alternatively, DAZN Standard is just £15.99/month, with the caveat you will have to pay for pay-per-view events.

Click here to sign up.

“The heavyweight division is the most exciting it has been in ages, it is fantastic.”