FABIO WARDLEY has broken his silence after skipping the post-fight press conference following his brutal war with Daniel Dubois on Saturday night.
The Ipswich heavyweight shared an emotional message on social media last night after suffering an 11th-round TKO defeat in one of the most thrilling heavyweight fights in recent memory.
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Fabio Wardley carried on until the 11th in a gutsy display Credit: Getty
Wardley took punishment from Dubious in a brutal showdown Credit: Getty
Wardley posted a video on both Instagram and X with a motivational speech playing in the background.
He wrote: “My body failed me, but not my heart. And that I can live with…
“Congratulations @DynamiteDubois, thank you for a great fight worthy of the history books.
“Thank you to the city of Manchester and everyone that has been along on this journey with me. #TeamWardley ❤️”
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The 31-year-old took a huge amount of punishment before the referee eventually stepped in during the 11th round.
But Wardley somehow stayed on his feet all fight despite Dubois unloading heavy shot after heavy shot.
The challenger also had his own huge moments in the fight, flooring Dubois twice, once in the first and again in the third, during an unforgettable WBO heavyweight title clash.
Parts of the bout resembled a Rocky movie style fight as both men went toe-to-toe trading brutal punches.
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Wardley enters the ring ahead of his fight with Dubois Credit: PA
Dubois was knocked down twice by the powerful Wardley, but fought back strong Credit: Getty
Wardley’s fighting spirit earned widespread praise across boxing and beyond, with his Instagram comments section flooded with support and huge respect.
Trainer Ben Davison, who also used to train both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, commented: “Your story has never been done before and never be done again! ❤️”
Heavyweight rival Frazer Clarke added: “Champ 👊🏽.”
Queensberry Promotions’ official page also wrote: “True warrior. Will be back 🙌”
Wardley, who is from Suffolk and a huge Ipswich Town fan, received widespread support from several Tractor Boys stars.
Defender Leif Davis posted: “What a warrior. Back stronger 💙”
Midfielder Kasey McAteer added: “A true warrior 👏💙”
Former Ipswich captain Sam Morsy said: “Well done brother true warrior you’ll be back stronger ❤️”
