Tight-lipped Dubois weighs in at career-heavy 18st

Breaking news from the world of sport: Tight-lipped Dubois weighs in at career-heavy 18st Figure caption, 'Highly unlikely the fight will last long' - Wardley v Dubois, who wins? ByKal SajadBBC Sport boxing journalist at Bowlers Exhibition CentrePublished8 minutes agoDaniel Dubois would not to be drawn into a war of words after weighing in at a career-heavy 18st (115kg) for Saturday's all-British heavyweight world-title fight against Fabio Wardley. Wardley, who came in at 17st 4lb (110kg), will make the first defence of his WBO title at Manchester's Co-op Live in a mouthwatering contest between two dangerous knockout artists.

The pair weighed in at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre before coming face-to-face in what organisers branded 'The Cauldron' - a circular, illuminated stage designed to intensify one final staredown in front of a live audience. "I'm going to put him to sleep tomorrow," said Dubois, 28, although - as he has throughout fight week - offered little beyond brief answers. Dubois - twitching his shoulders, stretching his neck and constantly fidgeting - insisted the "talking was done", while Wardley rolled his eyes and smiled beside him.

Match Details

The 31-year-old Ipswich fighter then took aim at Dubois' previous defeats by Joe Joyce and Oleksandr Usyk. "He does vary but some performances he's done well," Wardley said. "He didn't do well against Usyk.

Once you've opened that door and shown that bit of your character, it leaves people like me to expose it. "Cries of "Oh Fabio Wardley" rang around the venue from several hundred supporters - most backing the champion - as Wardley raised his arms and urged them to increase the volume during an otherwise uneventful face-off. 'Like getting the vicar to swear' - Dubois finding his voice Published12 hours ago'I'll collect the trash' - Dubois on Wardley's bin-man jibe Published1 day ago Figure caption, 'He can't bring his record with him' - WardleyImage source, ReutersImage caption, Dubois has the more experience at world title level than Wardley with three fightsDubois cut an imposing figure on the scales, carrying noticeable extra bulk.

His previous heaviest was 17st 10lb (112kg) for his career-defining knockout victory over Anthony Joshua in September 2024. Within boxing circles, this is viewed as a genuine 50/50 contest, and not one many expect to hear the final bell. Both men made their professional debuts on 8 April 2017 but their journeys to the top have been very different.

Reactions and Expectations

Wardley's rise has been one of boxing's more unlikely stories - from working in recruitment and competing in white-collar bouts to becoming world champion. Calm and composed throughout the week, he appeared to relish the occasion, draped in an Ipswich Town Football Club flag as he soaked up the atmosphere. "This is the crowning moment - hearing 'and still' in the ring," he said.

Figure caption, From white-collar boxing to world championWith 19 stoppages in 20 victories, Wardley has established himself as one of the heavyweight division's most destructive finishers.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.