Fabio Wardley’s co-trainer, Ben Davison, addressed concerns on social media regarding his decision not to stop the fight to protect Wardley from sustained punches by Daniel Dubois. Fans were surprised when Davison opted not to throw in the towel as Wardley faced a barrage of heavy hits from Dubois towards the end of the match.
Acknowledging that the fight could have been ended earlier, Davison explained that he missed seeing Wardley struggling and heading towards the doctor. Despite Dubois rising from the mat twice to defeat Wardley in the 11th round, he showcased mental toughness in the face of criticism.
The match saw Wardley swiftly knock down Dubois in the opening moments, causing a stir in the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester. Despite a knockdown in the third round, Dubois rallied back, ultimately dominating Wardley in the 11th round, prompting the referee, Howard Foster, to intervene and halt the fight.
Critics expressed shock at Davison’s decision to keep Wardley in the ring, highlighting the imminent danger of a significant, potentially career-altering blow from Dubois.
Social media reactions criticized Davison for not stopping the fight sooner, suggesting that his delay may have negatively impacted Wardley’s career trajectory.
Davison, previously lauded for his timing in throwing in the towel, including during Tyson Fury’s victory over Deontay Wilder, defended his actions in a statement on Instagram. He commended both fighters for their resilience in what he described as a modern classic battle.
Recognizing the mixed opinions surrounding his decision, Davison emphasized the challenges of determining the right moment to stop a fight, especially when the fighter remains responsive and fighting back. He stood by the referee’s judgment in this instance.
Despite the scrutiny, Davison highlighted Wardley’s remarkable journey from amateur fights to becoming a heavyweight champion, underscoring the difficulty of guiding a fighter against top-tier opponents.
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