The boxing match between Wardley and Dubois is set for May 9 in Manchester, following Tyson Fury’s bout with Arslanbek Makhmudov by one month. Fury’s planned attendance at the Wardley-Dubois fight indicates his proactive interest in monitoring contenders nearing his championship path, instead of passively observing the division’s evolution.
The Victor Enters Fury’s Sphere
Frank Warren verified Fury’s curiosity when discussing the forthcoming contest.
“There’s a significant fight approaching this May involving Fabio and Daniel Dubois,” Warren stated. “It features two of the most powerful hitters competing, and I am confident that he [Fury] will be keenly observing the bout from ringside.”
It’s common for heavyweight titleholders to be present at matches featuring prospective adversaries to assess their preparedness and weaknesses. Fury’s attendance fulfills this role, particularly as Wardley is making his initial defense subsequent to defeating Joseph Parker, whose prior status as a top contender was eclipsed by Wardley’s elevated position after that victory.
Dubois, even after his defeat to Oleksandr Usyk, remains just 27 years old and possesses knockout capability, maintaining his relevance among the division’s elite. Should he triumph over Wardley, he would instantly regain a strong contender status for another championship challenge, bringing him squarely into Fury’s direct view.
Fury Monitoring Potential Successors
While Fury’s fight with Makhmudov is imminent, his anticipated presence at ringside suggests he is proactively scouting future contenders. Boxers holding Fury’s status do not make such appearances lightly, especially when the victor might become a credible challenger.
Warren additionally confirmed that a match between Fury and Anthony Joshua, previously anticipated as a strong possibility, is no longer on the immediate horizon.
“The plan for the AJ fight existed, but I believe it has been deferred, and we will observe developments eventually,” Warren stated.
This alteration frees Fury to seek alternative adversaries, contingent on the evolving landscape of the heavyweight category. Both Wardley and Dubois present new possibilities, and their upcoming bout will be instrumental in identifying who solidifies their championship aspirations.
Fury’s anticipated attendance reaffirms his active oversight of the division. The victor of the May 9 contest won’t need to challenge him; Fury will already be present, observing.
