Fabio Wardley’s trainer admits title fight could have been stopped earlier
Fabio Wardley’s trainer Ben Davison acknowledged that the heavyweight’s world title bout against Daniel Dubois “could have been stopped earlier” following a punishing defeat in Manchester on Saturday night, reports BritPanorama.
Wardley began the match with a strong performance at the Co-op Live Arena, knocking down Dubois twice within the first three rounds, including a remarkable knockdown just 10 seconds into the fight. However, as the rounds progressed, the dynamics shifted significantly.
Wardley found himself bloodied and swollen, with visible damage to his nose and face as Dubois pressed relentlessly forward. Despite demonstrating remarkable resilience and continuing to respond with his own attacks, the bout was ultimately halted by referee Howard Foster in the 11th round due to the sustained punishment Wardley endured.
The harsh nature of the fight has initiated a robust debate regarding the decisions made by Wardley’s corner to continue. There are concerns about their responsibility in ensuring the fighter’s safety, leading to questions about whether the fight should have ended sooner.
Davison has commented on the intense scrutiny faced, conceding that stopping the fight earlier would have been a reasonable choice but defended the decision made during the intense conditions of the match. “Firstly, congrats to Dubois. Two tremendous warriors in a modern-day classic. We are super proud of Fabio,” he expressed on social media.
Reflecting on the fight, Davison stated, “It’s such a difficult job to find a balance but to strike at the right time to stop a fight like that when your guy is responsive and firing back.” He reiterated the complexity of the situation by noting that during the match, both he and the corner were considering throwing in the towel but were swayed by Wardley’s displays of resilience.
Former world champion Barry McGuigan has sharply criticized Wardley’s corner, suggesting the brutal nature of the encounter could have lasting implications for the 31-year-old boxer. He stated, “I don’t believe Wardley will ever be the same fighter again,” and emphasized the corner’s obligation to prioritize the fighter’s safety. “The corner should have pulled him out at least three rounds before the stoppage. As corner men, your ultimate responsibility is to protect your fighter at all times,” he added, further condemning their handling of the situation.
The tension of the night illustrates the precarious balance between a boxer’s desire to fight and the urgent need for safety that often hangs in the balance. In a sport defined by its brutal demands, even the best intentions can lead to grievous consequences.
