Ben Davison, co-trainer of Fabio Wardley, has responded on social media to address criticism regarding his decision not to stop the fight to protect his boxer from sustained attacks by Daniel Dubois. Fans of boxing were surprised by Davison’s choice not to intervene as Wardley endured a series of heavy blows from Dubois in the later rounds.
Acknowledging that the fight could have been halted earlier, Davison explained that he did not witness Wardley struggling before approaching the doctor and noted that Wardley was actively engaging with Dubois in the 10th and 11th rounds. Dubois, aged 28, demonstrated resilience by getting up from the canvas twice to ultimately defeat Wardley in the 11th round, silencing doubts about his mental strength.
The match saw Wardley knock down Dubois within 10 seconds with his first punch, causing a stir at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester. Despite an early setback, Dubois recovered and inflicted significant damage on Wardley, culminating in a decisive right-hand blow in the 11th round that prompted referee Howard Foster to end the contest.
Critics were taken aback by Davison’s decision to allow the fight to continue, as it was evident that Dubois was close to delivering a potentially career-altering blow. Fans expressed disappointment in Davison’s handling of the situation, suggesting that his inaction may have negatively impacted Wardley’s future prospects in the sport.
Davison, known for his strategic timing in throwing in the towel, previously received acclaim for his role in pivotal moments such as Tyson Fury’s victory over Deontay Wilder and Leigh Wood’s triumph against Michael Conlon. In a statement posted on Instagram, Davison commended both fighters for their efforts in what he described as a memorable bout.
Reflecting on the match, Davison reiterated his belief that the fight could have been stopped earlier but praised referee Howard Foster for his judgment. He highlighted the challenges faced in determining the right moment to intervene, particularly when a fighter is still responsive and fighting back.
Despite differing opinions on the handling of the fight, Davison emphasized Wardley’s remarkable journey from amateur fights to becoming a heavyweight champion. He underscored the difficulty of guiding a boxer to success against elite competition and expressed pride in Wardley’s achievements, emphasizing the uniqueness of his ascent in the sport.
